New books
“Generation X: The Popular Culture That Defined the MTV Generation,” by Melissa Lenos, senior director of graduate advising and engagement for the humanities and part-time English instructor in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, and Kevin L. Ferguson, associate professor of English at Queens College, City University of New York. (Bloomsbury, November 2025)
American life has changed significantly in the last 70 years. Explore the pop culture that defined Generation X, defined as those born between 1965 and 1980, with informative entries on iconic performers (Nirvana, Notorious B.I.G.), films (“The Big Lebowski,” “Heathers”), and books (“Generation X”) — not to mention the technology, media platforms, and events that had a lasting impact on American culture and entertainment. Additional features include interviews from artists and musicians of the era that shed light on their influences, challenges, and achievements, as well as an introductory essay that takes a deeper dive into Generation X attitudes toward work and leisure, race and ethnicity, personal relationships, politics, and social media.
“Creating Successful Community and Academic Partnerships in Service-Learning: Case Studies from India and South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central and Latin America,” edited by Mary Elizabeth Rauktis, research associate professor in the School of Social Work and Riju Sharma.
This book grew out of collaborative work at Assam Don Bosco University in Assam, India, as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program.Living on campus, teaching students and working closely with faculty, Rauktis helped transfer their voices into a book that retained the multiple perspectives of faculty, students and community members. Published in September 2025 with support from the Fulbright Commission, the University of Pittsburgh Hewlett International Grant Program, Assam Don Bosco University, and Palgrave Macmillan, the book showcases compelling case studies of successful university-community partnerships, illustrating how service-learning projects foster civic responsibility, global citizenship, and meaningful social impact. Read more.
“Fatal Second Helen: A Modern Veteran's Iliad,” by Josh Cannon, director of research, Frederick Honors College (Blue Ear Books, September 2025)
“The Iliad,” Europe’s first book and oldest story of war, is at least 2600 years old. It has been read by Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Patton. What does this classic text have to say to our current generation of war fighters and the people that support them?
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The University Times welcomes information about new books, plays and musical compositions written or edited by faculty and staff.
Newly published works can be submitted through this link. Please keep the book descriptions short and accessible to a general audience.
Self-published works will not be accepted. The listings also are restricted to complete works, because individual chapters, articles, works of art and poems would be too numerous.
We’ll also be highlighting some books and book talks with connections to Pitt.
If you have any questions, please contact editor Susan Jones at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.