The harvesting of wild American ginseng (panax quinquefolium), the gnarled, aromatic herb known for its therapeutic and healing properties, is deeply established in North America and has played an especially vital role in the southern and central Appalachian Mountains. Traded through a trans-Pacific network that connected the region to East Asian markets, ginseng was but […]
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Gideon Shryock, Kentucky’s first formally trained architect, brought the international style of the Greek Revival to Kentucky and the American West, and in the process imparted a template of architectural and professional dignity for others to follow. Over the course of a half-century career distinguished by a considerable body of projects, he became one of […]
Based on the real-life experiences of author C.W. Shumate’s great-grandfather, Ghosts of Blackberry Holler is an exhilarating journey through American history and a stirring account of war and peace, triumph and defeat, hostility and friendship, love lost and found, and the elusive pursuit of unconditional redemption.
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Geraldine Brooks discussed her latest novel, Horse, with former Kentucky Poet Laureate, author, and poet Frank X Walker. Click "Learn More" to watch the video!
What will Kentucky Book Festival visitors find on your table? Stop by and pick up a copy of my debut novel Of Sand and Bone, along with a free bookmark. The story is led by two people searching for a miracle. Their connection, their desire for a different life, and their […]
As a young man Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) escaped from slavery in Baltimore, Maryland. He was fortunate to have been taught to read by his slave owner mistress, and he would go on to become one of the major literary figures of his time. His very existence gave the lie to slave owners: with dignity and […]
Dr. Victor's assistant at the science museum may -- or may not -- be Frankenstein's monster in this funny and spooky series from Graphix Chapters. The Bailey School Kids take a field trip to a science museum, where they meet Dr. Victor and his hulking assistant, Frank. Secrets lurk behind every door in the spooky […]
What will Kentucky Book Festival visitors find on your table? Back to the Dirt (2023)-Miles Knox is a steroid addicted Vietnam vet dealing with PTSD, whose job is on the line as he searches for his girlfriend who may or may not be involved in the murder of a husband-and-wife Oxy drug ring. […]
The traditional neighborly work of killing a hog and preparing it as food for humans is either a fine art or a shameful mess. It requires knowledge, experience, skill, good sense, and sympathy," writes Wendell Berry in the essay portion of this book.
Pure joy and the power of community radiate from this sweet picture book about a young Black girl's perseverance and confidence in following her double Dutch dreams. Africa's grandmother was a double Dutch legend, and Africa knows she can become the same. Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though […]
Each season, Simon & Schuster partners with book festivals nationwide to present insightful panel discussions between celebrated authors. The Kentucky Book Festival is excited to be a partner for this Fall AuthorFest virtual event, featuring John Irving and Jason Reynolds!
Find a free face painting booth near Cattywampus Station, right outside the Children's Authors Tent on the lower level of Joseph-Beth in Lexington.