In the quiet town of Jefferson, North Carolina, a publishing house was born in 1979 that would quietly reshape how the world understands niche history. Robert Franklin, a former history teacher with a passion for obscure topics, founded McFarland & Company with a simple yet radical idea: publish books that large commercial publishers deemed too small to be profitable. While the rest of the publishing industry chased bestsellers and celebrity memoirs, Franklin and his small team of about 50 employees focused on the margins of history, producing scholarly monographs and reference works that libraries and serious enthusiasts craved. By the time the company reached its 45th year, it had published 7,800 titles, each with an initial print run averaging just 600 copies, a stark contrast to the millions of copies printed by major houses. This deliberate choice to keep print runs small allowed McFarland to take risks on subjects that would otherwise never see the light of day, from the early days of baseball to the complexities of North Korean politics. The company's success lies not in mass appeal but in its ability to serve a dedicated community of scholars, collectors, and fans who value depth over breadth. Today, under the leadership of President Rhonda Herman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Wilson, McFarland continues to operate as a beacon for academic and general-interest nonfiction, proving that there is a market for the meticulously researched and the deeply specialized.
The Game of Baseball and History
Few publishing houses have done more to preserve the history of baseball than McFarland & Company, which has become the go-to source for scholars and fans alike. The company's commitment to the sport is evident in its publication of scholarly journals such as Base Ball: A Journal of the Early Game, which focuses on baseball's protoball roots to 1920, and Black Ball: A Journal of the Negro Leagues, which explores all aspects of black baseball, including the Negro major and minor leagues. These journals are not mere collections of statistics; they are rigorous academic works that have uncovered forgotten stories and challenged long-held myths. For instance, the McFarland-SABR Baseball Research Award, presented annually by the Society for American Baseball Research, recognizes the best articles on baseball history or biography, with winners ranging from studies on Satchel Paige's Hall of Fame induction to analyses of the 1939 Negro National League Championship Series. The award, formerly known as the Macmillan-SABR Baseball Research Award from 1987 to 2000, has become a prestigious honor in the field, highlighting the importance of McFarland's role in fostering baseball scholarship. The company's publications have also shed light on the integration of baseball, with works like Earl Mann Beats the Klan: Jackie Robinson and the First Integrated Games in Atlanta, and The Fair-Foul Hitting Era: 1864-1876, which explores the early days of the sport. These books and journals have not only preserved the history of baseball but have also enriched our understanding of the sport's cultural and social significance, making McFarland an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the game's past.
Beyond the diamond, McFarland & Company has established itself as a leading publisher in the fields of chess and film, two areas that might seem unrelated but share a common thread of strategic thinking and narrative complexity. The company's chess publications include detailed histories of the game, biographies of grandmasters, and analyses of famous matches, all of which have been praised for their accuracy and depth. In the realm of film, McFarland has published works that explore the history of cinema, from the early days of silent films to the modern era of blockbusters. One notable series, Clues: A Journal of Detection, focuses on all aspects of mystery and detective material in print, television, and movies, providing a comprehensive look at the genre's evolution. The company's film publications have also covered the history of specific directors, actors, and genres, offering insights into the cultural impact of cinema. For example, McFarland has published books on the history of horror films, the evolution of the western genre, and the role of film in shaping public opinion. These works have been instrumental in preserving the history of film and have provided scholars and enthusiasts with a wealth of information on the subject. The company's commitment to these fields has made it a trusted source for anyone interested in the history and analysis of chess and film, proving that its reach extends far beyond the world of baseball.
The Politics of North Korea and the Sea
In an era of increasing global tension, McFarland & Company has taken on the challenging task of publishing works on North Korea and maritime studies, two subjects that are often overlooked by mainstream publishers. The North Korean Review, a journal published by McFarland, focuses on an understanding of North Korea's complexities and the threat it presents to global stability, providing a platform for scholars to explore the country's political, economic, and social dynamics. The journal has published articles on the country's nuclear program, its human rights record, and its relationships with other nations, offering a nuanced perspective on a topic that is often simplified in the media. In addition to its work on North Korea, McFarland has also published the Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies, which focuses on global territorial and maritime issues, including the history of naval warfare, the politics of international waters, and the environmental impact of maritime activities. These journals have become essential resources for scholars and policymakers, providing a wealth of information on some of the most pressing issues of our time. The company's commitment to these fields has demonstrated its willingness to tackle difficult subjects and to provide a platform for diverse voices, making it a vital contributor to the global discourse on international relations and maritime affairs.
The Power of Niche and Community
What sets McFarland & Company apart from other publishers is its unwavering commitment to niche markets and the communities that surround them. The company's initial print runs average just 600 copies per book, a decision that allows it to publish works that would otherwise be deemed too risky for larger publishers. This approach has enabled McFarland to build a loyal following of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts who value the depth and quality of its publications. The company's direct mailing strategy has also been instrumental in connecting with these niche audiences, allowing it to reach readers who might not have access to its books through traditional retail channels. McFarland's focus on libraries has further strengthened its position, as many academic and public libraries rely on its publications to supplement their collections with specialized works. The company's success in niche markets has also led to the development of unique book series, such as Contributions to Zombie Studies, edited by Kyle William Bishop, and Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy, edited by C. W. Sullivan III and Donald Palumbo. These series have become popular among fans of genre fiction, providing a platform for scholars to explore the cultural and historical significance of these genres. By focusing on niche markets, McFarland has created a sustainable business model that allows it to continue publishing works that are both academically rigorous and culturally significant.
The Legacy of Robert Franklin
The story of McFarland & Company is inextricably linked to the vision and leadership of its founder, Robert Franklin, who established the company in 1979. Franklin, a former history teacher with a passion for obscure topics, saw the potential in publishing books that large commercial publishers deemed too small to be profitable. His decision to focus on academic and reference works, as well as general-interest adult nonfiction, was a bold move that paid off in the long run. Franklin's leadership style was characterized by a commitment to quality and a willingness to take risks on subjects that others might have ignored. He built a team of dedicated professionals who shared his vision, and under his guidance, the company grew to publish 7,800 titles, each with an initial print run averaging just 600 copies. Franklin's legacy is evident in the company's continued success, as it has maintained its focus on niche markets and its commitment to academic rigor. Today, Franklin serves as President Emeritus, having passed the reins to Rhonda Herman, who continues to lead the company with the same dedication to quality and innovation. The story of McFarland & Company is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance, proving that even the smallest publishing house can make a significant impact on the world of books and ideas.