Emeritus Professor Dr. James Pate to present “Pickett’s History” Oct. 13
Author and historian Pate will discuss and sign new edition of American history book
The University of West Alabama’s Julia Tutwiler Library and Office of Alumni Affairs will co-host a book talk by author and historian Dr. James P. Pate at the library from 5:30-7 p.m. after the football game against Delta State University on Saturday, October 13. The public is invited to attend this free event. A wine and cheese reception will follow the reading, and Pate will sign copies that will be available for sale.
The Annotated Pickett’s History of Alabama, and Incidentally of Georgia and Mississippi, from the Earliest Period brings to general readers and scholars a significantly updated, expanded, more readable, more authoritative, and freshly indexed edition of one of the seminal works of early American history. First published in 1851, Pickett’s History, as it is commonly known, has been available in recent decades only in poor facsimile editions. Even so, the book has been an invaluable resource for scholars studying and writing about Southeastern Indians and the expansion of the young United States into what was known as the “Old Southwest,” the present-day states of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Pate, a scholar in the field, has devoted almost two decades to a painstaking annotation of Pickett’s original two-volume work, resulting in this magnificent new edition. He verified Pickett’s sources; elaborated on the persons, events, and places described; and enriched the work with historical detail unknown when Pickett was writing. The work was then fully indexed for the first time. The new edition, which carries an introduction by Pate, combines the two volumes in one and is presented in an attractive and readable wide format: Pickett’s original text and his own footnotes occupy the main part of the page, with annotations in boldface given in the margins. The result pays homage to a book that was described when it appeared nine years before the Civil War as “one of the prettiest specimens of book making ever done in America.”
Pate is an Emeritus Professor of History at the University of West Alabama, where he served as professor, department chair, dean, and vice president of academic affairs over a period of 30 years. The Annotated Pickett’s History of Alabama is also available through your favorite local or online retailer.