UVA Faculty Book Showcase to Highlight Scholarly Achievements

The University of Virginia’s Institute of the Humanities and Global Cultures will host its second annual Book Celebration on April 16, spotlighting recently published works (2023–2024) by humanities and social sciences faculty in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of Wilson Hall, celebrates the depth and diversity of humanistic research and creative work produced by UVA’s scholars. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse an extensive collection of new books, meet authors and engage in conversations about new ideas shaping their fields.

“This showcase highlights the incredible breadth of scholarship coming out of Arts & Sciences,” said Jack Chen, chair of the Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures and director of the IHGC. “It’s a celebration of years of research, creativity and dedication.”

Faculty books, translations and edited volumes spanning a broad range of disciplines and representing 17 different departments will be on display. The event aims to foster cross-disciplinary conversation and raise awareness about the broad intellectual contributions of UVA faculty.

“Writing a book is a monumental effort, and this event gives us a chance to recognize the persistence and passion that goes into producing such significant work,” Chen said.

Visitors can also enjoy refreshments and enter to win free copies of 94 different featured books. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is encouraged.

However, according to Chen, the event is more than just a celebration.

“Books are not just academic exercises,” he said. “They shape public discourse, inform policy and push the boundaries of knowledge in meaningful ways. This showcase is an opportunity for us as scholars to reflect on the broader impact of our work — and one of the most rewarding aspects of this event is seeing how our faculty’s work connects with students and scholars across disciplines.”

More information, including registration and a full list of participating authors, is available at the IHGC website.