Professional News

Thomas D. Clark Medallion to be Presented to 'Elkhorn'

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photo of 2018 Clark Medallion award announcement
photo of cover of "Elkhorn: Evolution of a Kentucky Landscape" by Richard Taylor
photo of UPK 75th anniversary logo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 21, 2018) — This year's Thomas D. Clark Medallion Award will be presented to Richard Taylor’s "Elkhorn: Evolution of a Kentucky Landscape," published by University Press of Kentucky (UPK). The award will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to begin 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the River Room of the Paul Sawyier Public Library, located at 319 Wapping St., in Frankfort.  

The Clark Medallion is presented by the Thomas D. Clark Foundation Inc., a private nonprofit foundation established in 1994. The program's goal is to financially support UPK's publication of books about Kentucky and the region. The medallion is presented annually to a book highlighting the state's history and culture. The award presentation, followed by a reception and book signing, is free and open to the public. Individuals interested in attending the event, may click here to register.

Written by former Kentucky Poet Laureate and the current Kenan Visiting Writer at Transylvania University Richard Taylor, “Elkhorn” is inspired by Elkhorn Creek, which runs by his home, a fixer upper he purchased in 1975. His writing, focused on the eight-mile stretch of creek from the Forks of the Elkhorn to Knight's Bridge, provides a glimpse into the economic, social and cultural transformation of Kentucky from wilderness to its current landscape.

Taylor's book is said to be a blend of artful writing, personal tale, historical research and narrative vignettes. "Elkhorn" includes photographs and illustrations from historic to contemporary times, intermixed with short vignettes about prominent figures from the region.

UPK, currently celebrating its 75th anniversary, is the scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, representing a consortium that includes all of the state universities, five private colleges and two historical societies. The press’ editorial program focuses on the humanities and the social sciences. Offices for the administrative, editorial, production and marketing departments of the press are found at University of Kentucky, which provides financial support toward the operating expenses of the publishing operation through the UK Libraries.