Community News & Press Releases

Congratulations to Tiantian Chen, the editor of the book 'Reproductive uncertainty: Understanding the regulations on assisted reproductive technologies in China' for receiving a review from Kanav Narayan Sahgal published in 'Europe-Asia Studies', 77:4, pp. 673-674: In recent years, concerns and anxieties about the future of reproductive rights have intensified globally. In this context, Tiantian Chen’s new book, “Reproductive Uncertainty”, makes an important and timely contribution to this discussion by offering a critical examination of the regulatory landscape surrounding Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) in contemporary China. […] The book accomplishes its central aim: providing readers with a sociological examination of reproductive uncertainty in contemporary China and exploring how those uncertainties are linked not just to policy frameworks regulating ART practices but also to prevailing social norms. Chen’s conception of ‘spiral modernisation’, an alternative to dominant linear conceptions of modernity, and one that is particularly relevant to China, is a significant theoretical contribution to existing scholarship on modernisation. [...] [Extract from book review on the journal 'Europe-Asia Studies', 77:4, pp. 673-674, Reviewer: Kanav Narayan Sahgal. (Published online: 29 May 2025.) DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2025.2489320] The book is available to order here: Reproductive uncertainty: Understanding the regulations on assisted reproductive technologies in China This book provides the first sustained account of intense debates in China over the ban on single women’s access to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Drawing on the author’s fieldwork in clinics and government agencies in Beijing, it mainly explains Chinese policymakers’ and clinicians’ rationale for restricting single women’s use of ARTs even if they celebrate ARTs as a success of Chinese modernization strategies. The main concept explored in this book is uncertainty. ARTs become a source of discomfort for the Chinese government and clinics because they reveal the uncontrollability of human destiny; they introduce ambiguities into genetic and legal paternity; and they undermine clinical and bureaucratic authority. This book uses ARTs as a lens on broader social changes in China. The uncertainty of ARTs reflects the limits of Chairman Deng Xiaoping’s reform. It also informs that the Chinese government has reversed policies by repackaging tradition and tightening party control. The book’s interpretation of uncertainty challenges the linear and progressive paradigm of modernization. China’s development path is distinct from the sequential logic of Western, modernist conceptions of history.

Congratulations to Marko Miletich, the editor of the book "Transfiction: Characters in Search of Translation Studies" for receiving a review from Antony Hoyte-West published in 'Transylvanian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Humanities', Volume XXX (2025), no. 1: [...] through furnishing the reader with six insightful and detailed analyses of fictional depictions of translators and interpreters in contemporary literature, this succinct and accessible edited collection will certainly be of broad appeal to scholars with research interests in literary and translation studies. [Extract from book review on on the 'Transylvanian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Humanities', Volume XXX (2025), no. 1. Reviewer: Antony Hoyte-West. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2642/philobib.2025.30.2.21] The book is available to order here: Transfiction: Characters in Search of Translation Studies This book explores the uses of translation, translators, and interpreters in fiction as a gateway to introduce issues related to Translation Studies. The volume follows recent scholarship on Transfiction, a term used to describe the portrayal of translation (both a topic and a motif), as well as translators and interpreters in fiction and film. It expands on the research by Kalus Kaindl, Karleheinz Splitzl, Michael Cronin, and Rosemary Arrojo, among others. Although the volume reflects the preoccupation with translator visibility, it concentrates on the importance of power struggles within the translatorial task. The volume could be an invaluable tool to be used for pedagogical purposes to discuss theoretical aspects within Translation and Interpreting Studies.

We are thrilled to announce that No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes, published by Vernon Press, has received the 2024 Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in Short Non-Fiction! The award was presented to Lisa Wood for her outstanding essay, “Blacks in Film and Cultivated Bias,” during the prestigious Bram Stoker Awards® Banquet held at StokerCon® 2025 in Stamford, Connecticut, on 14 June 2025. Celebrating Award-Winning Horror Scholarship Lisa Wood’s essay, “Blacks in Film and Cultivated Bias,” offers a powerful and insightful examination of racial representation and the enduring stereotypes in horror cinema. The piece, featured in No More Haunted Dolls, exemplifies the collection’s mission: to challenge and transcend traditional horror tropes through critical scholarship. This Bram Stoker Award win is a significant recognition of Wood’s contribution to the field of horror studies and to broader cultural conversations about race and media. Bram Stoker Awards® Finalist Nominations for No More Haunted Dolls In addition to this prestigious win, No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes was also honored with nominations in other categories on the 2024 Bram Stoker Awards® Final Ballot, showcasing the impact and excellence of the volume: Superior Achievement in Long Non-Fiction: No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes (Vernon Press) We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all contributors and to our editor team for their dedication in producing such a compelling, boundary-pushing work. About No More Haunted Dolls No More Haunted Dolls explores how contemporary horror fiction and criticism break away from tired tropes — such as haunted dolls, houses, and monstrous “others” — to create narratives that resonate with modern audiences. This landmark collection features essays from leading and emerging voices in horror studies, offering new perspectives on identity, representation, and genre conventions. A Testament to Vernon Press’ Commitment to Innovative Scholarship At Vernon Press, we are committed to publishing thought-provoking, high-quality scholarship that sparks critical dialogue. The recognition from the Horror Writers Association (HWA) affirms our dedication to fostering innovative academic work that resonates across disciplines and communities. Learn More Discover why No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes has captured the attention of the horror community and the Bram Stoker Awards®. Explore the book on our website View the full list of 2024 Bram Stoker Award finalists

Join us for a virtual side event on June 6, 2025, exploring blue crimes and ocean justice, co-hosted by the Common Good Foundation. As the world prepares for the third UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3), the Common Good Foundation, Inc. will host a pivotal virtual side event—“Addressing Blue Crimes and Developing SDG 14”—on June 6, 2025 at 7 AM ET. This event tackles the often-overlooked but increasingly urgent issue of blue crimes—violations of environmental and human rights that occur at sea. Register here: Zoom registration link Blue Crimes and International Ocean Governance The event brings together legal and environmental experts to discuss complex maritime threats such as piracy, climate change, and deep-sea mining, all under the lens of international criminal law. Speakers will explore the necessity of embedding blue crime considerations into global ocean governance, reflecting the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14)—the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Featured Speakers: Dr. Zoi Aliozi – Founder/CEO, ZA Consultancy; EU Climate Pact Ambassador Dr. Mark Chadwick – Principal Lecturer, Nottingham Law School Regina M. Paulose – Executive Director, The Common Good Foundation This side event is also part of The Common Good Foundation’s 2025 Ocean Conference Voluntary Commitment, titled Promoting Safe Seas for All, advocating for inclusive, rights-based ocean governance frameworks. Bridging Theory and Practice: Blue Crimes and International Criminal Law This timely conversation coincides with the upcoming release of Regina M. Paulose’s new book, Blue Crimes and International Criminal Law, published by Vernon Press. The book provides a pioneering legal analysis of ocean-based crimes and calls for the international legal system to expand protections for marine environments and the life that depends on them. Paulose’s work deepens the discourse on how the law can evolve to meet the challenges of maritime criminality in the 21st century, aligning perfectly with the themes of the UNOC3 side event.

We are delighted to announce the presentation of a Vernon Press title, 'Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850–1919): Cartas, cuentos cortos y artículos periodísticos,' taking place in Madrid on Sunday, May 25, at 7:00 PM. Hosted at Librería Sin Tarima, a vibrant cultural hub located at Calle de la Magdalena, Madrid, the event promises an engaging evening of literary discussion and historical reflection. The book's author, Ana Isabel Simón Alegre, will be joined by Elena Hernández Sandoica, Professor at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, for a conversation about the life and work of Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer—a pioneering Spanish writer, journalist, and intellectual whose voice remains strikingly relevant today. Published by Vernon Press in 2023, the volume offers an essential recovery of Gimeno de Flaquer’s legacy through a carefully curated selection of her letters, short stories, and journalistic articles. This bilingual, annotated edition invites readers into the richly textured world of a woman who challenged gender norms and played a crucial role in 19th-century Spanish and Latin American public life. Whether you are a scholar of women’s writing, feminist history, Spanish literature, or simply an admirer of rediscovered voices, this event is not to be missed. Event Details: Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Time: 19:00 (7:00 PM) Location: Librería Sin Tarima, Calle de la Magdalena, Madrid Speakers: Ana Isabel Simón Alegre and Prof. Elena Hernández Sandoica (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)

Congratulations to Camilo Peralta (Joliet Junior College), the author of the book "The Wizard of Mecosta: Russell Kirk, Gothic Fiction, and the Moral Imagination" for receiving a review from G. Connor Salter published in 'Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature', Vol. 43 (2024): Camilo Peralta’s "The Wizard of Mecosta" gives the first detailed look at Russell Kirk’s fiction, from his ghost stories to his three gothic novels. While the work particularly emphasizes Kirk’s gothic influences, Peralta also explores references to T.S. Eliot and Charles Williams in his fiction, as well as comments in his nonfiction about Lewis and Williams writing “tales of the preternatural.” The discussion provides important material for seeing Kirk as an Inklings-influenced author. [Extract from book review on 'Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature', Vol. 43 (2024) > No. 1 (2024). Reviewer: G. Connor Salter. https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol43/iss1/19/ ] The book is available to order here: The Wizard of Mecosta: Russell Kirk, Gothic Fiction, and the Moral Imagination The Wizard of Mecosta" offers an extended analysis of the fiction of Russell Amos Kirk (1918-1994), a central figure in modern American conservatism who is often referred to as “the father” of the same. Born and raised in Michigan, Kirk was also a prolific writer of fiction, who published almost two dozen short stories and three novels over the course of his long career. At the heart of everything Kirk wrote was what he referred to as the “moral imagination,” a phrase he borrowed from Edmund Burke and often used to describe the instructive and enlightening purposes of great literature. Despite his prominent reputation as a public man of letters and the respect of fellow authors including Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, Kirk’s fiction was never very popular, and has fallen into almost complete obscurity in the present. "The Wizard of Mecosta" is the first full-length study ever published about Kirk’s fiction, and the only work of any length to consider the entirety of his output, including all of the stories and novels he wrote. By emphasizing how Kirk’s fiction illuminates certain aspects of his social and political theory, "The Wizard of Mecosta" distinguishes itself from the half-dozen or more studies of the author’s life and work that have been published since his death in 1994. It should appeal to anyone with an interest in American conservatism, as well as fans and scholars of the sort of Gothic horror in which Kirk, unexpectedly, excelled. Through his stories of avenging ghosts and timeless journeys through the afterlife, he reminds us of the existence of “permanent things,” the core values and beliefs of Western society, which he strove all his life to preserve. It is high time that his fiction found a more appreciative, and larger, audience.

Congratulations to Ana Isabel Simón Alegre (Adelphi University), the writer of the book "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism" for receiving a review from Beth Bernstein (Texas State University) published in 'Letras Hispanas', Volume 21.1, 2025, pp. 154-156: To say that Ana I. Simón Alegre created a window into the world of the transatlantic author Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer would be an understatement. Simón Alegre has not only created a window but has flung open the door to Gimeno de Flaquer’s universe, inviting readers on an immersive tour, which expertly aids readers in understanding this important author’s life, literature, feminist activism, and broader contributions to the contemporary literary canon […] This carefully and thoughtfully translated collection, paired with Simón Alegre’s comprehensive commentary and historical notes in the context of Gimeno de Flaquer’s life, the author’s personal life and experiences, literary criticism, and the Spanish language of the time, serve as an extraordinary portal to help us clearly see and understand the works of Gimeno de Flaquer and the complex history she experienced as an extremely intelligent and forward-thinking woman who lived in multiple countries. Simón Alegre has done extensive, meticulous research, and has left no stone unturned to include all essential information for a multi-faceted, extensive critical edition of the writings of Gimeno de Flaquer. Simón Alegre takes every small detail into account to make sure that the reader understands the greater historical context and significance of Gimeno de Flaquer’s varied works. […] This book’s universal appeal stems from its ability to serve various audiences. University students, professors, and the general public, who are interested in learning more about Hispanic literature by nineteenth-century women authors, will find this volume a valuable resource for studying transatlantic literary history and women’s writing. Even skilled Spanish speakers may struggle with the original editions due to their historical context and antiquated language, making this annotated and translated collection especially useful. Beyond academia, the book also attracts general readers interested in discovering overlooked female authors from the nineteenth century. […] [Extract from book review on the journal 'Letras Hispanas', Volume 21.1, 2025,, pp 154-156. Reviewer: Beth Bernstein (Texas State University) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9kqffujypkj0vfap10hx7/SAlegre_LH_Vol21.1_2025.pdf?rlkey=4zwnh34qrrgrihzwvln9io2vb&st=7pnwkngk&dl=1 ] The book is available to order here: Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism This book explores how Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer’s evolution as a writer was closely linked to the development of her political-literary project, in which a feminist activist agenda plays an important role. This critical edition contributes to existing research on Gimeno de Flaquer by examining a collection of texts that have not been studied in-depth. This monograph-length publication is the first one to feature a translation of significant portions of Gimeno de Flaquer’s work. 'Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Her Personal Letters, Short Stories, and Journalism' includes ten letters that Concepción Gimeno wrote to the Spanish actor and theatre entrepreneur Manuel Catalina y Rodríguez (1820-1886), seven short stories, and a selection of her seventeen most representative newspaper articles.

Congratulations to Shuchi Agrawal, the author of the book "Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature" for receiving a review from Aanchal Mishra (Amity University, Noida) published in the 'Journal of English Language and Literature' (JOELL), Vol.12, No. 1 (January-March) 2025: […] an insightful contribution to the field of postcolonial studies, analysing literary works from a variety of geographical regions. The book broadly covers the intersections of cultures, history, and societies and vividly talks about the theoretical frameworks that have risen as the outcome of colonialism. It includes Africa, the Caribbean, and India, and provides in-depth research on key postcolonial theories. The book is rich in its use of vernacular languages practiced by postcolonial critics and theorists representing a new wave of authenticity and originality in writing. […] The book covers a vast range of key concepts useful in the study of postcolonial theory and presents an amalgamation of Intersectionality of Globalization, Transnationalism, and Postcolonial Studies. […] Overall, all concepts are beautifully curated and explained and the transition of the chapters discussing evolution of postcolonial theory, flows smoothly in a well-structured manner throughout the book. [Extract from book review on the 'Journal of English Language and Literature' (JOELL), Vol.12, No. 1 (January-March) 2025. Reviewer: Aanchal Mishra (Amity University, Noida) DOI: 10.54513/JOELL.2025.121103] The book is available to order here: "Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature" 'Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature' delves into the intricate area of postcolonial discourse, amplifying the voices emerging from the margins, challenging dominant narratives while exploring the themes of identity, mimicry, hybridity, power and resistance. Drawing from key theorists such as Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Philip G. Altbach, Deepesh Chakravarthy, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Gauri Viswanathan etc., this book offers a deep investigation into the multiple aspects of theoretical frameworks that shape postcolonial discourse. The analysis moves seamlessly from theory to literature, investigating how postcolonial literary texts navigate critical issues such as hybridity, mimicry, identity and resistance. A vital resource for students, research scholars, teachers, and anyone curious about the dynamic field of postcolonial theory and literature, this book calls readers to reflect, question, and join the discourse on the complex narratives that continue to shape our world. Generally, most of the postcolonial critiques explore linguistic imperialism, but this book makes a groundbreaking contribution by foregrounding the use of vernacular languages in literary texts and critical theory, positing that this is not just an aesthetic choice but a form of resistance and identity reclamation. In doing so, it echoes Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s call for linguistic decolonization and applies it in a broader, more diverse context, examining how the act of writing in local languages disrupts colonial power dynamics and fosters cultural preservation. While much of postcolonial criticism tends to centre on broad historical and political analysis, 'Navigating Boundaries' emphasizes the multiple voices coming from Africa, Caribbean and South Asia, offering a more intimate look at identity formation in postcolonial settings. Moreover, the book’s interdisciplinary approach strengthens its position in the field. By weaving in cultural studies, sociology, and psychological perspectives on gender, trauma, ethnicity and memory, it opens up fresh pathways, making the work relevant not just for literary scholars, but for those interested in a wider discourse on postcolonial theory.

Congratulations to Ana Isabel Simón Alegre (Adelphi University), the writer of the book "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Cartas, cuentos cortos y artículos periodísticos" for receiving these reviews from: Verónica Ramírez Errázuriz (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile) in 'Arenal: Revista de historia de las mujeres', vol. 31, no. 2, 2024, pp. 689-691: […] El mérito de este volumen es doble, ya que además presenta las obras de Gimeno de Flaquer en español e inglés, aportando con una traducción hace ya tiempo reclamada por la comunidad académica […] […] este volumen es un aporte sustancial, debido a que reúne e integra los distintos aspectos, ámbitos y contextos en los que se desempeñó la intelectual española, lo que lo convierte en un compendio interesante de lo que se ha estudiado y publicado de manera desperdigada sobre la autora, y a su vez, incorpora y complementa aspectos que todavía se encontraban vacíos y no resueltos con la investigaciones realizadas hasta la fecha. En ese sentido, la selección de obras de Gimeno de Flaquer que aquí se transcriben, editan y analizan, permite entrecruzar aspectos de la vida más íntima de la autora, con sus obras literarias y sus opiniones ensayísticas, accediendo a aristas novedosas y menos exploradas […] […] se dirige tanto a académicos especialistas, como a estudiantes y público general, convirtiéndose en un adecuado material, tanto para investigadores especialistas, como para cursos universitarios a ambos lados del océano Atlántico. […] [Extracto de reseña en 'Arenal: Revista de historia de las mujeres', vol. 31, no. 2, 2024, pp. 689-691. Autora: Verónica Ramírez Errázuriz (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile). https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=9864764 ] Nerea Aresti Esteban (Universidad del País Vasco, España) in 'Pasado y memoria: Revista de historia contemporánea', no. 30, 2025, pp. 243-247: En esta edición crítica y actualizada, Ana I. Simón Alegre ha realizado una espléndida labor de investigación en torno a una parte pequeña pero significativa, hasta el momento dispersa, de la obra de Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer. […] […] El vasto conocimiento y minucioso cuidado puesto por Simón Alegre en esta labor de recuperación permiten valorar como se merece el legado de Gimeno de Flaquer. Simón Alegre reivindica así un lugar propio para esta figura excluida del canon literario español. Es reseñable, además, que se trata de una publicación simultánea en inglés y español, lo que permitirá que Gimeno de Flaquer sea mejor conocida por la comunidad académica internacional. […] […] Con el presente libro, Simón Alegre se convierte ya en referencia obligada para los estudios sobre la escritora y, más en general, para la historia de género del siglo XIX español. Simón Alegre vuelca aquí su extenso conocimiento de una figura de las letras tan relevante como necesitada de reparación. […] […] “Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919). Cartas, cuentos cortos y artículos periodísticos” recoge en sus páginas esta doble dimensión literaria y feminista en una edición crítica que es, a su vez, un vibrante trabajo de investigación. [Extracto de reseña en 'Pasado y memoria: Revista de historia contemporánea', no. 30, 2025, pp. 243-247. Autora: Nerea Aresti Esteban (Universidad del País Vasco, España). https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=9934545 ] The book is available to order here: Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (1850-1919): Cartas, cuentos cortos y artículos periodísticos Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer (Alcañiz, 1850-Buenos Aires, 1919) fue una periodista y editora española que dedicó su vida al mundo de las letras. Fue, además de escritora, una apasionada viajera en una época en la que cruzar el Atlántico no era una tarea fácil. En sus viajes transanlánticos puso en marcha y participó en numerosas tertulias y se dedicó a dirigir periódicos, escribir novelas, cuentos cortos, cartas, ensayos, críticas de teatro, artículos de opinión y columnas de sociedad en diferentes periódicos. En este libro se explora cómo en la trayectoria vital y profesional de Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer quedó entrelazado su proyecto político literario en el que el activismo feminista jugaría un importante papel. Esta edición anotada contribuye a las investigaciones previas sobre Gimeno de Flaquer analizando una colección de textos que no se han estudiado aún en detalle. ... r> ‘Concepción Gimeno De Flaquer (1850-1919): Cartas, cuentos cortos y artículos periodísticos’ incluye diez cartas que Concepción Gimeno escribió al actor y empresario teatral Manuel Catalina y Rodriguez (1820-1886), siete cuentos y una selección de diecisiete de sus artículos periodísticos más representativos.

Congratulations to Sabiha Huq (Khulna University, Bangladesh), the writer of the book "The Mughal Aviary: Women’s Writings in Pre-Modern India" for receiving a review from Jyotsna G. Singh (Michigan State University) published in the journal 'Early Modern Women: An Interdisciplinary Journal', Vol. 19 No. 2 • Spring 2025: […] it examines Muslim women’s writings from early modern India, a subject that has often been ignored by male (often Indian) historiographers. […] Huq’s depiction of the complex self-fashioning—both poetic and literary—of these four women produces a richly engaging and original study of aristocratic women writers in the early modern Islamic world. [Extract from book review at the 'Early Modern Women: An Interdisciplinary Journal', Vol. 19 No. 2 • Spring 2025. Reviewer: Jyotsna G. Singh (Michigan State University). https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/734208] The book is available to order here: The Mughal Aviary: Women’s Writings in Pre-Modern India This volume delves into the literary lives of four Muslim women in pre-modern India. Three of them, Gulbadan Begam (1523-1603), the youngest daughter of Emperor Babur, Jahanara (1614-1681), the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, and Zeb-un-Nissa (1638-1702), the eldest daughter of Emperor Aurangzeb, belonged to royalty. Thus, they were inhabitants of the Mughal 'zenana', an enigmatic liminal space of qualified autonomy and complex equations of gender politics. Amidst such constructs, Gulbadan Begam’s 'Humayun-Nama' (biography of her half-brother Humayun, reflecting on the lives of Babur’s wives and daughters), Jahanara’s hagiographies glorifying Mughal monarchy, and Zeb-un-Nissa’s free-spirited poetry that landed her in Aurangzeb’s prison, are discursive literary outputs from a position of gendered subalternity. While the subjective selves of these women never much surfaced under extant rigid conventions, their indomitable understanding of ‘home-world’ antinomies determinedly emerge from their works. This monograph explores the political imagination of these Mughal women that was constructed through statist interactions of their royal fathers and brothers, and how such knowledge percolated through the relatively cloistered communal life of the 'zenana'. The fourth woman, Habba Khatoon (1554-1609), famously known as ‘the Nightingale of Kashmir’, offers an interesting counterpoint to her royal peers. As a common woman who married into royalty (her husband Yusuf Shah Chak was the ruler of Kashmir in 1579-1586), her happiness was short-lived with her husband being treacherously exiled by Emperor Akbar. Khatoon’s verse, which voices the pangs of separation, was that of an ascetic who allegedly roamed the valley, and is famed to have introduced the ‘lol’ (lyric) into Kashmiri poetry. Across genres and social positions of all these writers, this volume intends to cast hitherto unfocused light on the emergent literary sensibilities shown by Muslim women in pre-modern India.

Congratulations to Takuo Iwata (Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan), the writer of the book "Power and Politics in Africa: A Boundary Generator" for receiving a review from W. Ayorinde Olanrewaju (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale) published in the journal 'Democratization', 1-3. 18 Mar 2025: ln “Power and Politics in Africa”, Takuo lwata presents a novel approach to African domestic politics and international relations by focusing on the concept of power. According tn lwata, the historicity of African politics lies in examining how political actors struggle for power, shaping relationships within political society and among the people. This struggle and its resulting lead Iwata to describe power as a boundary generator. In other words, power's inherent inequality creates divisions and distinctions within the political environment and the population. Therefore, the book's key contribution to the literature of African politics is its argument that power is human-made and shapes the evolving nature of political relations both before and after democratization in Africa. From Iwata’s work, scholars can gain deeper insights into post-colonial African politics, the democratization process, and its consolidation in the continent's poliical history. [...] [Extract from book review appearing on the journal 'Democratization', 1-3. 18 Mar 2025. Reviewer: W. Ayorinde Olanrewaju (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale). https://doi.org/10.1080/13510347.2025.2478947] The book is available to order here: Power and Politics in Africa: A Boundary Generator Africa’s potential and challenges in the 21st century make it a focal point for global attention. The continent’s political landscape is now more diverse, with a mix of democracy, authoritarianism, peace, and conflict. Understanding the dynamics of African politics is crucial. This comprehensive book delves into African Politics and International Relations, exploring power through the lenses of politics, geography, sociology, and anthropology. It is based on the author’s three decades of fieldwork and research across Africa, Asia, and the West. Ideal for academic scholars, students, diplomats, government officials, journalists, and NGO staff seeking to deepen their understanding of African politics and international relations.

A Milestone in Horror Literature We are thrilled to announce that our recent publication, "No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes," edited by Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, has been nominated for a prestigious Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Non-Fiction. This nomination by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) recognizes the volume's groundbreaking approach and positions it among the elite in horror literature. This edited collection defies the conventional boundaries of the horror genre. By transcending traditional horror tropes, "No More Haunted Dolls" offers readers and scholars alike a fresh perspective on what horror fiction can achieve. The nomination itself reflects the quality and impact of the book, highlighting the editors' and contributors' dedication to excellence and innovation in horror writing. Join the Celebration We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this significant achievement at the upcoming Bram Stoker Awards, to be held during StokerCon® 2025 in Stamford, Connecticut. For more details about the awards and to RSVP for the event, visit The Bram Stoker Awards Official Site. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar and all the contributors whose hard work and talent have made this recognition possible. This nomination not only honors their outstanding contributions but also reinforces Vernon Press's commitment to publishing groundbreaking scholarly work.