Bookshelf

Alumni and faculty members who would like to have their books considered for this listing should contact Stacey Himmelberger, editor of Hamilton magazine. This list, which dates back to 2018, is updated periodically with books appearing alphabetically on the date of entry.

Self-Rising: The Magic Rise Behind Biscuit and Cornbread Culture by R.B. Quinn ’83, co-author.

June 19, 2026

Tags Alumni Book

(University Press of Kentucky, 2026).

From the co-author of Cheater BBQ: Barbecue Anytime, Anywhere, in Any Weather comes this book that explores the overlooked story of self-rising flour and its outsized role in shaping Southern kitchens, home cooking traditions, and Black and Appalachian foodways.

According to the publisher, “Part historical narrative and part cookbook, this flavorful account starts in Tennessee, the ‘self-rising capital of the world,’ and travels across the Southern U.S. The first half of the book explores how self-rising products not only helped reshape the domestic sphere but further influenced society, culture, and industry. Vitamin boosts and flour-sack fashion made self-rising products a Southern staple. Radio jingles, blues tunes, and Grand Ole Opry broadcasts spread the word. The second half of the book offers a rich collection of timeless, foolproof recipes built for modern kitchens, including chicken and dumplings, fried pickle chips, chewy brownies, apple crisp, and more. Entertaining and insightful, Self-Rising offers a story about the spirit of Southern cooks — a story of nourishment, invention, and resilience.”