Meet and greet local author Amy Allen of the University Libraries at the Fayetteville Barnes & Noble this Saturday, Jan. 23, from 1-4 p.m.

Allen will be on hand to chat about her book, University of Arkansas, along with co-author Tim Nutt, former head of Special Collections. The book will be available for purchase and the authors available to sign copies.

University of Arkansas features 215 vintage images that tell the story of the university's first 125 years. The images date all the way back to the early days of the university in the 1870s. They touch on our 1948 integration — the first in the South when Silas Hunt enrolled in law school — and cover Ruth Cohoon's tenure as our first women's intercollegiate sports director beginning in 1972.

The book also captures many aspects of everyday life around campus, including students working in a chemistry lab or on the University farm, to the warm days of summer school.  Photos show homecoming, pep rallies, and commencement, along with our unique traditions like Senior Walk. There are photographs of dorm life, Greek life, and hanging out in the Student Union, plus a chapter on Razorback athletics highlighting student athletes from many different sports, alongside the fans who support them.

As University Archivist, Allen works every day to collect and preserve the history of the U of A. "I hope the book will spark an interest in University traditions for future Razorbacks," Allen said.  "I also hope it will remind alumni and community members of fond memories and inspire them to give their own materials to the University Archives to be preserved for future generations.

Nutt is currently serving as the Director of the Historical Research Center at UAMS. "The University of Arkansas has a fascinating history filled with interesting characters, stories, and traditions," he said. As an avid scholar of Arkansas history, Nutt was especially pleased to be part of the project.

Other local authors taking part in Barnes & Noble's showcase include Abby Burnett, Amy Lillard, Timothy Cook, Susan Culp and Radine Trees Nehring. View their calendar for additional information.