Books published by Xoxoxpress

A novel by Steven Schaefer tracing the life and death of Vincent van Gogh, and exploring whether van Gogh's death might have been murder. An American couple in modern-day France are renovating an old house outside Paris when they uncover evidence of political intrigues from 1880's France and Europe. They find a journal that seems to be in Vincent van Gogh's hand, and a gun that may have been used to kill him, then hidden away. Their eager curiosity to trace the history of their house and the items they've found lead them into a perilous adventure with art thieves, as they uncover more and more evidence that Vincent was similarly imperiled by political forces that still factor in European politics now.

Set in early 1950s Cuba, this novel explores the earliest days of what became the M-26-7 movement -- the Cuban Revolution. Ultimately, the socialist regime initiated by Fidel Castro governed Cuba from 1959 to 2008 and remains in power to this day. This novel evokes the earliest days of revolutionary struggle before Che's arrival in 1955. Author Peter Rutkoff has taught American Studies, African American History, African American Migration, and Baseball in American Culture at Kenyon College since 1971.

Swollen seas, erotic monsters, Greek passion gone Latin, deftlyThis 1st-century AD Latin version of the earlier Greek epic features exotic lands, wondrous monsters and a sea voyage over swells of young love. Valerius Flaccus lent sharp Roman refinements and erotic passion to the tale, which are skillfully sustained in this careful and appealing modern translation in English verse.Apollonius Rhodius’ epic poem Argonautica, written in Greek during the 3rd century BC, has become the de facto standard version of the story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece. Valerius Flaccus’ Latin epic of the last 1st century AD is by contrast little known, even to those well-read in ancient literature. This translation offers an accurate and appealing version in English verse.Flaccus’ Argonautica lends keen Roman touches to the tale, amplifying the sense of adventure and the erotic passion found in the Greek. It offers vicarious travel to exotic lands, gripping heroism before wondrous monsters and a dream team of famous Greek heroes. The stirring sea voyage is spiced by the blossoming love of Jason and Medea, young passion not yet gone sour. Michael Barich’s deft translation and lyrical grace notes will delight devotees and newcomers to this timeless classic.Many know of this tale via the 1963 Columbia Pictures film, with its stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen. Not many know (why would they?) that the cover artwork by Kenyon student Thomas Chappell Lewis was made on Post-it Notes. Examine the cover carefully and you’ll see them. And now you’re one of not-many.