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Bookshelf

What's Been Happening

God and Trujillo: Literary and Cultural Representations of the Dominican Dictator by Ignacio López-Calvo, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures (University Press of Florida).

This first book-length study of works about Rafael Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930 until his assassination in 1961, analyzes 36 narrative texts about Trujillo, seeking to explain how some of the myths associated with the man were created. The author explores the representation of the dictator as a mythological figure, his legacy, his doubles and the role of women during the “Era of Trujillo.” He also traces the evolution and significance of the narratives and offers an account of the Dominican left and the anti-Trujillo resistance as contained in Dominican literature.

Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Western Tradition by Richard Golden, professor of history (ABC-CLIO).

This four-volume set of more than 700 signed entries is called the definitive reference on the age of witch hunting, its origins, expansion and decline. Distinguished scholars in the field of witchcraft studies cover key trials, folklore, magical practices, influential texts, historians and authors, as well as the accused and their persecutors. The work concentrates on Europe and the Americas in the early modern era and includes topics from the ancient Near East, classical antiquity and the European Middle Ages.

The Bell Ringer by Victor Rodriguez (’55, ’62 M.S.) of San Antonio (Watercress Press). Rodriguez, who was among the first Mexican American children in Edna to attend high school, recalls the influence of his mother and early teachers, as well as his time at North Texas and his career in education. He worked in the San Antonio ISD for 36 years, retiring as superintendent in 1994. His North Texas memories include his days as a scholarship athlete on coach Pop Noah’s track team.

The Women There Don’t Treat You Mean: Abilene in Song, by Joe W. Specht (’68, ’72 M.L.S., ’73 M.A.) of Abilene (State House Press). Specht, director of the Jay-Rollins Library at McMurry University, researched the stories behind songs about Abilene performed by Lightnin’ Hopkins, Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and the British band Yes, among many others. Accompanying the book is a CD featuring performers from Abilene doing versions of six songs about the town. Specht has lived in Abilene for more than 30 years.

Other Media

Sleep, Little One by Debra Byrd McDavid (’89) of Atlanta, Ga. This collection of lullabies from around the world includes songs sung in Spanish and Yiddish as well as English. Part of the proceeds from the CD will go to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Lyric soprano McDavid has performed internationally and acted in independent films and commercials. She has been a vocal and acting coach for more than 15 years. She was invited to give the CD away at the Celebrity Moms Suite at the Golden Globe Awards in January.