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Western Author, Tony Hillerman, Receives 1998 Jack D. Rittenhouse Award
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October 1998 - Boulder, CO -- The Rocky Mountain Book Publishers Association (RMBPA) announced today that Tony Hillerman, author of more than 20 books, has received the prestigious Rittenhouse Award for 1998. The award will be presented at the National Book Publishing Conference on November 10th in Sante Fe, NM.
"This is the first time an author has received this award", said Alan Bernhard, Executive Director of RMBPA. "Tony's contribution to the Western publishing community has been felt by almost every publisher in our association. He has given unselfishly of his time to read our books and give helpful suggestions, as well as as well as assisting our authors by writing so glowingly of their books.
Tony's interest in the American Southwest is evident in both his popular mystery series and nonfiction works that explore the natural wonders of the region. A student of Southwestern history and culture, Hillerman often draws his themes from the conflict between modern society and traditional Native American values and customs. The popularity of his books have drawn many people to the southwest to see for themselves, the beauty and mystery of this part of the country. In fact, Tony Hillerman is one of the reasons why the market for western books has grown over the past few years.
The Rittenhouse Award was established in 1990 as a symbolic way to say "thank you" and honor those outstanding people who have made real contributions to the western community of the book. It is presented annually in memory of Jack D. Rittenhouse -- the west's consummate bookman. During his long career, Rittenhouse was a writer, bookseller, publisher, lecturer, and mentor. In short, he left a lasting mark on this community of the book in the West, both in his work and with the people who followed behind him. Rittenhouse owned Stagecoach Press and also served as Business Manager and Western Book Editor for UNM (University New Mexico) Press. In publishing circles, Rittenhouse was known as the final authority on books of the West, particularly those dealing with the Southwest region of the United States.
Prior winners of this award include: Jean and Jetta Lyons, Fred Pruett, David Flaccus, Dwight and Carol Meyers, Gordon Saull, Tom Auer and Joyce Meskis.
Alan Bernhard, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Book Publishers Association
(303) 499-9540
rmbpa@aol.com
http://www.rmbpa.com
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