Press of Alabama: A History of the Alabama Press Association, The

The Press of Alabama: A History of the Alabama Press Association. By King E. (Ed) Williams Jr. Birmingham: Alabama Press Association, 1997. xx, 412 pp. $22.95. ISBN 1-878561-54-5.

This book was written and published to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Alabama Press Association (APA) in 1871. It is a most welcome addition to the surprisingly small number of serious works on Alabama journalism, the history of which dates from 1811. Williams intends to present a detailed history of the APA, but he also delivers much information relating to the overall development of the newspaper press as well.

The author succeeds in producing a revised and comprehensive history of the APA. He completely reworks and expands two earlier unpublished manuscripts by the late Louis 0. Brackeen of Auburn-the first from 1951, with an update from 1959. These earlier works were primarily summary reports of annual meetings. Using Brackeen's research files, the APA's files, interviews, and a variety of other sources, Williams has expanded the historical scope and value of Brackeen's manuscripts. Although this clearly is not an analytical study of Alabama journalism, much commentary is interwoven throughout the narrative.

The preface discusses briefly the evolution of early state newspapers. The author then describes the key role played by Maj. William W. Screws in the founding of the APA. The first eight chapters are arranged chronologically and are narrative in format. The narrative includes summaries of meetings and biographical sketches, covers changes in membership and philosophy, and details election of officers and internal management practices, as well as many other facets of the APA's history and activities.

Unique items called "Sidelights: Marking 125 Years," mostly part-page in size and outlined with a shaded background, are inserted liberally throughout. These contain journalistic events, anecdotes, and human interest items from all corners of the state. Another positive feature is the genuine wealth of illustrations, which enhances the historical value of the book. Nearly half the pages contain a photo or "Sidelight"; some have both.

The last five chapters are topical, mostly nonnarrative, and filled with specific data. Chapter 9 contains separate lists of APA presidents, officers, field managers, and executive directors from 1872 to 1996 and includes each person's newspaper affiliation. Chapter 10 offers a chronology and very brief descriptions of association events. Chapter 11 gives a short history of the Alabama Newspaper Hall of Fame, created by the APA in 1960. Also included is a complete list of persons elected to membership since then, many posthumously. Especially valuable is chapter 12, which contains interviews with senior, distinguished Alabama journalists. Finally, chapter 13 lists Alabama newspapers published in 1996. These are arranged alphabetically by city of publication, with media information and names of editors and publishers. These final five chapters contain information not readily available elsewhere, making the book a valuable reference.

Several prominent journalists proofread the book prior to publication, and no significant errors appear. An index would have been a useful addition because hundreds of names and titles appear in the book. Newspapers have had a major influence on Alabama's history, and this history of the Alabama Press Association is a valuable contribution to the literature. The book will be of interest to journalists, journalism faculty and students, state and local historians, and general readers.

PAUL E. MARTIN Auburn, Alabama

Copyright University of Alabama Press Oct 1999
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