This spring, the University of Nevada Press published four new titles written by Northern Nevada authors, putting the Press closer to the goal of publishing 24 new titles this year. Short descriptions of each book are below.

"Elvis, Marilyn, and the Space Aliens: Icons on Screen in Nevada"

Robin Holabird, former deputy director of the Nevada Film Office, founder of the Reno Film Festival and a regular film reviewer on KUNR 88.7 FM, Reno Public Radio, offers readers a unique take on Nevada film history and culture in "Elvis, Marilyn, and the Space Aliens: Icons on Screen in Nevada," as she explores 18 film genres populated by characters with ties from Nevada. The book takes readers on Holabird's journey of research, personal experience and analysis about how Nevada became the location of choice for a broad spectrum of well-known films and characters.

"50 of the Best Strolls, Walks, and Hikes around Reno"

Author Mike White, full-time writer, outdoor photographer and former community college instructor, offers a complete guide for walkers, joggers, runners and hikers to the best paths and tails in the greater Reno-Sparks region in "50 of the Best Strolls, Walks, and Hikes around Reno." The guide provides a range of opportunities to explore the area, from a light stroll around local parks and lakes, to a challenging climb up one of the area's surrounding mountains. As one of the area's experts of the outdoors, White includes sidebars about human and natural history and detailed information about each excursion. The book's photography was produced by local award-winning outdoor photographer, Mark Vollmer.

"A Great Basin Mosaic: The Cultures of Rural Nevada"

James W. Hulse, a retired professor of history at the University of Nevada, Reno, 1962-97, and native to Nevada, authored "A Great Basin Mosaic: The Cultures of Rural Nevada." In this text-rich book, Hulse writes about his memories of rural Nevada as a child, as a journalist, as an academic historian and finally as a parent, sharing the wonders of the Nevada desert with his family. Readers will have the opportunity to learn how Nevada has changed over time as Hulse reflects on the insights of Robert Laxalt in his article, "The Other Nevada," published in National Geographic in 1974. Hulse describes these changes and suggests that there is no single "other" Nevada, but several subcultures with distinct features.

"Tree Lines"

Authors Valerie P. Cohen and Michael P. Cohen, who have been collaborating for decades on several books as husband and wife, recently authored "Tree Lines," a book that brings together ink drawings of high-altitude pine trees with poetic vignettes about how people interact with mountain environments. The process that brought the book to life entails Valerie Cohen drawing high-alpine ecosystems, then giving the drawings to Michael Cohen, who then writes whatever he is inspired to create; neither providing feedback or instruction. The duo brings a lifetime of scholarship in literature, history and the environment to this book.

More about the Press

The University of Nevada Press, founded in 1961 by Robert Laxalt, publishes high-quality, deserving works that advance scholarly research, contribute to the understanding and appreciation of regional history and culture and reach a wide range of academic and general readers, according to the Press website. The Press publishes in a wide range of humanities and social science disciplines, including environmental studies, Basque studies, Native American studies, public health, and many more.

In July 2015, the Press brought on their new director, Justin Race. Since taking the position two years ago, Race has completely redesigned the Press website, which launched early this year; redesigned the seasonal catalogs; and instituted a student internship program where two to three University students help and learn about book publishing.

According to Race, the Press plans to release 24 new titles in 2017, which is double the number of new titles published last year.

"Going forward we're honoring our past and continuing to publish worthwhile books on Nevada," Race said. "Additionally, we're also expanding our offerings in environmental studies, fiction, memoir, and Northern California books in particular."

To view more titles published by the Press, to submit your work to be published, and more, visit their newly redesigned website, or read more about 2017's newest titles published by the Press in their spring 2017 catalog.