Not New in a New Way: Elizabeth Branch Dyson & Haki Madhubuti

In this first episode of the fourth season, we sit down with Elizabeth Branch Dyson, assistant editorial director and executive editor at the University of Chicago Press, to hear how she approaches acquiring widely accessible books for an academic press. Bryce (manager of 57th Street Books) takes us on a tour around the Co-op's Front Table, checking out a few recent releases. We're then joined by poet, author, and publisher Haki Madhubuti, who talks to us about his journey through books, the founding of Third World Press, and the draw of the Front Table. Throughout, we hear "spine poems" composed by booksellers at the Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books.

Have something to say? We'll be featuring listeners' voices throughout the season. First up: tell us about a meaningful book you've come across accidentally in the past year. We'd love to hear the story behind your discovery or even just your favorite passage. Submit your answers through this form here.

Open Stacks is hosted by Alena Jones (director of buying and content) and produced by Jackson Roach.

This episode features music by Daniel Birch, johnny_ripper, junior85, and alright lover.

Below, you'll find a close-to-comprehensive list of every book mentioned in this episode: