As the holidays approach, people begin to look for gifts for family and friends. These eight books, by University faculty, alumni or affiliated friends, and published by University of Nevada Press, each feature stories about Nevada's rich history and culture. With topics ranging from Christmas traditions in Nevada to the history of boxing in the state, there is sure to be a gift for everyone on your list.

Land of the Buckaroo: Historic Ranches of Western Nevada
By Holly Walton-Buchanan, alumna of the College of Education

"Land of the Buckaroo: Historic Ranches of Western Nevada" explores the story of how the Spanish Conquistadors brought cattle, horses and sheep to the New World. The book is an in-depth look at how ranching began in Nevada. Walton-Buchanan grew up in Nevada. Her father's family has been involved in ranching for the past 100 years. She received her doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2003 and has written three other books about Reno's history including "Education for Nevada: 117 Years of Teacher Education at the College of Education," "University of Nevada 1887-2004," "Historic Houses and Buildings of Reno, Nevada" and "Mackay Memories: The First 100 Years of the Mackay School of Mines."

"Land of the Buckaroo" can be found at the Nevada Wolf Shop and Sundance Bookstore.

150 Years of Nevada Medicine: Nevada's Men and Women Healers
By Dr. Robert Daugherty and Dr. Anton Sohn, former Chairman of Pathology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and founder of the history of medicine program

"150 Years of Nevada Medicine" highlights the stories of the men and women who developed Nevada's Healthcare system during the last 150 years. It focuses on subjects such as medical education, Native American medicine, doctors in the 19th and 20th centuries and more. 150 Years of Nevada Medicine: Nevada's Men and Women Healers is a Legacy Project for the Nevada 150th Year Sesquicentennial.


Rural Lives of Nice Girls
By Gailmarie Pahmeier, lecturer in the English Department

"Rural Lives of Nice Girls" is a collection of more than 30 poems. Pahmeier's work has been called "lush and cinematic" and tells the story of rural girls in Nevada, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Pahmeier teaches creative writing and contemporary literature courses at the University of Nevada, Reno. She has received the Alan Bible Teaching Excellence Award and the University Distinguished Teacher Award.


Nevada: 150 Years in the Silver State
Edited by Geoff Schumacher, alumnus of the Reynolds School of Journalism

Nevada journalist Geoff Schumacher's "Nevada: 150 Years in the Silver State" is a portrait of the state's counties, natural landmarks and cultural treasures. It is a collection of Nevada's best writers and photographers and is an official commemorative volume of the Nevada Sesquicentennial.

The Main Event: Boxing in Nevada from the Mining Camps to the Las Vegas Strip
By Richard O. Davies, distinguished history professor emeritus

" The Main Event" is an in-depth look at the rich history of boxing in Nevada. The book is the result of years of research and expertise as one of the country's best sports historians. Davies has written and edited 15 books and was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame in 2013.

"The Main Event: Boxing in Nevada from the Mining Camps to the Las Vegas Strip" can be found at the Nevada Wolf Shop, Amazon and local and online bookstores.

Saving Lake Tahoe: An Environmental History of a National Treasure
By Michael J. Makley, author of six books on western history

"Saving Lake Tahoe" highlights the environmental history of Lake Tahoe from the Washoe Indians to present day. The book focuses on the interaction between the ecosystem and the human populations who have impacted the area and what can be done to improve the lake's clarity.


Christmas in Nevada  
By Patricia Cafferata, owner of Eastern Slope Publishing Company

"Christmas in Nevada" is a collection of short stories that tell the story of how Nevadans have celebrated Christmas from 1858 to present. The book highlights the diverse cultures and traditions of Nevadans during the holiday. The book includes stories from Nevadan residents in each of Nevada's 17 counties. Several of the stories are from prominent Nevada figures such as Robert Laxalt and former governors Bob List and Richard Bryan. Cafferata is an attorney, former Nevada State Treasurer and former Nevada State Assemblywoman.

Short History of Virginia City
By Susan A. James and Ronald M. James, adjunct professor of anthropology

"Short History of Virginia City" highlights Virginia City's rich history. It includes an illustrated walking tour describing more than 30 buildings and sites. Ronald James graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with degrees in anthropology and history. He serves as an adjunct professor in the Anthropology Department at the University.  

The Red Queen's Run
By Bourne Morris, former Reynolds School of Journalism professor

A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. Accident or murder? The police suspect members of the faculty who had engaged in fierce quarrels with the dean-distinguished scholars who were known to attack the dean like brutal schoolyard bullies. When Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation, but incoming threats lead him to believe Red's the next target for death.