Daily Archives: February 19, 2008

Jack Montgomery’s Second Book

Book CoverMagical healings, ghostly encounters and alternative perceptions of reality have been a part of the history and culture of America since the settlement. Providing historical research to support personal narratives and field interviews, WKU Associate Professor and Librarian Jack Montgomery takes the reader into a largely hidden community that has its ancient roots in the African, German and Celtic cultures and is still active today despite the presence of our modern post-industrial society.

The research for this book actually began while Jack was a student at the University of South Carolina in the mid-1970s. As part of his senior thesis in Religious Studies, Jack conducted interviews with traditional magical healers in South Carolina, and eventually also included healers in Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia. This research led to a thirty-four year fascination with folk religion, magical healing and shamanism. It is also an account of one man’s spiritual journey into the depths of American folk religion that includes elements of shamanism and applied mysticism.

In 2002, Jack secured a book contract. The result is American Shamans: journeys with traditional healers published by BUSCA Press and released in February of 2008.

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Tommy Womack Performed at Java City in Helm Library

Tommy WomackTommy Womack, a WKU alumni and a songwriter, author, and “creator of taut sensual tension,” came to WKU and performed at the Java City in Helm Library at noon on February 19, 2008. Tommy was awarded Best of 2007 honor for “There I Said It!”

Photo album on Flicker.
Video clip on YouTube.

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Evelyn Thurman Award to Author Albert A. Bell, Jr.

Author Albert A. Bell, Jr.The Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award was given to Albert A. Bell, Jr., author of “The Secret of the Lonely Grave,” on February 16 in Kentucky Building.

Apart from the award committee members Sean Kinder, Deana Groves, and Tracy Harkins, the Dean of the Libraries and the department heads were also present at the luncheon. Professor Julia Roberts, Director of the Center for Gifted Studies and Everlyn Thurman’s relatives and friends were among the attendees.

The Award is given to honor the memory of former WKU librarian, Evelyn Thurman, who made significant contributions to children’s librarianship and literacy during her 25 years of service. The biography will help you learn more about Evelyn and her contributions.

Photo album of the event on Flickr.
Audio of the event on UL Podcast.

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