Homepage

Philadelphia: A Narrative History

A comprehensive history of Philadelphia from the region’s original Lenape inhabitants to the myriad of residents in the twenty-first century

Philadelphia is famous for its colonial and revolutionary buildings and artifacts, which draw tourists from far and wide to gain a better understanding of the nation’s founding. Philadelphians, too, value these same buildings and artifacts for the stories they tell about their city. But Philadelphia existed long before the Liberty Bell was first rung, and its history extends well beyond the American Revolution. In Philadelphia: A Narrative History, Paul Kahan presents a comprehensive portrait of the city, from the region’s original Lenape inhabitants to the myriad of residents in the twenty-first century.

The House of Barnes

The life and times of extraordinary Philadelphia art collector Albert C. Barnes

Philadelphia art collector Albert C. Barnes (1872–1951) is renowned today for collecting many of the world’s most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings. The museum that bears his name holds more than eight hundred paintings, with a strong focus on Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, as well as other European and American masters. In The House of Barnes, Neil L. Rudenstine provides the first scholarly study on the historical, art historical, and political context during which Barnes purchased his masterpieces and attempted to redefine aesthetic education.

Americana Insights 2024

A richly illustrated presentation of the latest research on traditional American folk art

Americana Insights 2024 is the second volume of an annual series that presents the latest research and discoveries on traditional American folk art and material culture. This installment explores a diverse range of craftspeople and artifacts, treating readers to a journey from Appalachia to the mid-Atlantic and New England, and even onto the Atlantic Ocean. Each essay offers a fresh perspective on American creativity and ingenuity, introducing readers to the makers and materials of early America.

Lead Well—Now Available for Pre-Order!

A holistic, research-backed framework to future-proof your leadership and unlock the full potential of your team

In the wake of the pandemic and on the cusp of the generative AI revolution, the world of work has undergone a seismic shift. Conventional management approaches are no longer sufficient, demanding a new leadership framework to address the root causes of these challenges. Coming this February, Lead Well provides a timely and practical blueprint for a new era of leadership and offers a transformative approach to building high-performing teams that can adapt and grow. Pre-order your copy today!

She Changed the Nation

An important new biography of Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman from the South to serve in Congress

In She Changed the Nation, Mary Ellen Curtin offers a new portrait of Jordan and her journey from segregated Houston, Texas, to Washington, DC, where she made her mark during the Watergate crisis by eloquently calling for the impeachment of President Nixon. This important new biography explores the personal and the political dimensions of Jordan’s life, showing how she navigated the extraordinary pressures of office while seeking to use persuasion, governance, and popular politics as instruments of social change and betterment.