University Press of Mississippi: A Legacy of Scholarly Publishing
The University Press of Mississippi (UPM) stands as a significant institution dedicated to publishing scholarly works and books that explore the rich culture and history of Mississippi and the broader Southern region. Its commitment extends to diverse fields, reflecting a dedication to both academic rigor and public engagement.
Historical Overview
The Mississippi Historical Society (MHS) played a crucial role in the origins of historical preservation and publication in the state. Organized in Jackson on November 9, 1858, under the leadership of B. L. C. Wailes, the initial iteration of the MHS was short-lived, lasting less than two years. However, in 1890, efforts to reorganize the society began, culminating in its re-establishment eight years later at the University of Mississippi, guided by Franklin L. Riley, a professor of history. Riley later edited fourteen volumes of the Publications of the Mississippi Historical Society.
In 1902, the MHS spearheaded the initiative to create the Department of Archives and History by persuading the Mississippi legislature, with the executive committee of MHS’s board of directors becoming the department’s first board of trustees. The Journal of Mississippi History, a scholarly publication, was launched in 1939 and is published by the MDAH in cooperation with the Mississippi Historical Society. In 1964, MHS reprinted J. F. H. Claiborne’s Mississippi as a Province, Territory, and State, a book that had become a collector's item. Since then, MHS has continued to be actively involved in producing important books about the history of the state.
Collaborative Publications
In 1973, MDAH, in cooperation with MHS, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University and College Press of Mississippi, published the first comprehensive history of Mississippi in fifty years, a two-volume set entitled A History of Mississippi, edited by R. A. McLemore.
In 1987, MHS, guided by the Department’s Publications Committee, sponsored the first popular illustrated history of the state, Mississippi: An Illustrated History, written by Edward Akin and published by Windsor Publishing Company. In 2002, this volume was revised and updated by Charles C. Bolton.
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In 1992, MHS announced the establishment of a major book series spanning the history of Mississippi. The Heritage of Mississippi Series, published jointly by MDAH, the Mississippi Historical Society, and the University Press of Mississippi, with funding assistance from the Phil Hardin Foundation, covers the history of the state in fifteen volumes as part of the celebration of Mississippi’s bicentennial. The goal was to publish fifteen books, each covering an important subject or era. The books are written for a broad audience of scholars, teachers, students, and interested general readers.
Ten books have been published in the series: Art in Mississippi, 1720-1980 by Patti Carr Black (1998); Religion in Mississippi by Randy J. Sparks (2001); Rednecks, Redeemers, and Race: Mississippi after Reconstruction, 1877-1917 by Stephen Cresswell (2006); Mississippi in the Civil War: The Home Front by Timothy B. Smith (2010); The Civil War in Mississippi: Major Campaigns and Battles by Michael B. Ballard (2011); Mississippi’s American Indians by James F. Barnett, Jr. (2012); A Literary History of Mississippi edited by Lorie Watkins (2017); Colonial Mississippi: A Borrowed Land by Christian Pinnen and Charles Weeks (2021); Old Southwest to Old South: Mississippi, 1798-1840 by Mike Bunn and Clay Williams (2023); and Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862-1877 by Jere Nash (2025).
Published jointly by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Mississippi Historical Society, and the University Press of Mississippi, with funding assistance from the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Heritage of Mississippi Series contains histories of the state’s struggles and milestones. Mississippi’s foundational epoch-in which the state literally took shape-has for too long remained overlooked and shrouded in misunderstanding. Colonial Mississippi: A Borrowed Land offers the first composite of histories from the entire colonial period in the land now called Mississippi.
Areas of Publication
UPM's publications span a diverse array of subjects, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Mississippi and the broader academic world. These areas include:
- Literary Studies: UPM is known for its contributions to understanding Southern literature and culture.
- History: The press actively publishes works that delve into Mississippi's past, from its colonial roots to the Civil War era and beyond.
- African American Studies: UPM plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and experiences of African Americans, particularly within the context of Mississippi and the South. For example, the book reveals why Aaron Henry (1922-1997) should be acknowledged, in the ranks of Fannie Lou Hamer and Medgar Evers, as a truly influential crusader.
- Popular Culture: The press publishes books on a variety of popular culture topics, from Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip to zombie films.
Notable Publications
UPM has published a wide range of significant books, contributing to scholarship and public understanding. Some notable examples include:
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- Heritage of Mississippi Series: This series, a collaborative effort with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Mississippi Historical Society, aims to provide a comprehensive history of the state in fifteen volumes.
- Mississippi Encyclopedia: UPM is associated with the Mississippi Encyclopedia, a comprehensive resource on the state's history, culture, and people.
- Individual Titles: The press has published numerous books on diverse topics, such as the Civil War in Mississippi, the history of religion in Mississippi, and literary studies.
Impact and Mission
The University Press of Mississippi serves as a vital cultural and intellectual resource for the state and the wider academic community. Its mission is to:
- Promote Scholarship: UPM supports and disseminates high-quality scholarly research across a range of disciplines.
- Preserve History: The press plays a key role in preserving and interpreting the history and culture of Mississippi and the South.
- Engage the Public: UPM aims to make scholarly knowledge accessible to a broad audience, fostering a greater understanding of the region and its place in the world.
The press's commitment to publishing works "to, for and about the people of Mississippi" underscores its dedication to serving the state and its residents.
Key People
The University Press of Mississippi is guided by a dedicated team of professionals, including:
- Director: The director provides leadership and vision for the press, overseeing its operations and strategic direction.
- Editorial Staff: Editors play a crucial role in acquiring, developing, and preparing manuscripts for publication.
- Marketing and Sales Staff: These professionals work to promote and distribute UPM's books to a wide audience.
- Chancellor Porter L. Fortune Jr.: Served as director of the press.
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