Monograph Series

In the spring of 2024, the Monograph Series Committee was established with five members – Jean McGarry (Chair), Michael Johnson, Franklin Knight, Bruce Marsh, and Stephen Nichols. The committee drafted a concept brief titled A Prospectus for a Homewood Academy Book Imprint. The envisioned series comprises short-format monographs (6”x 4”) authored by Academy members. Written with minimal footnotes and scholarly apparatus—aside from a brief bibliography—the monographs are intended for a literate general audience and reflect the authors’ career-long engagement with their subjects.

The following statement captures the mission of the series:

Bringing meaningful knowledge to readers everywhere. Academy books offer accessible reflections on topics drawn from the rich range of subjects taught in Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. These monographs distill expertise acquired by a lifetime of research, critical thinking, and teaching by distinguished authors.

The proposal was submitted to Christopher Celenza, Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, who expressed strong enthusiasm for the initiative. Dean Celenza generously provided funding to support the success of the series in its early years.

After exploring a few options (including Johns Hopkins University Press representatives, who felt the imprint’s mission not compatible with the press’s mandate), the committee Homewood Academy Monograph Series Report of the Committee – 2024/2025 then identified a publisher. Franklin Knight, through a longstanding professional relationship, introduced the committee to Ian Randle of Ian Randle Books (I.R. Books), a Jamaican publisher best known for works focused on the Caribbean. Mr. Randle expressed strong interest in expanding into new thematic areas and audiences, and responded enthusiastically to the proposed series.

In February 2025, Mr. Randle traveled from Jamaica to Baltimore to meet with the committee and formalize a publishing agreement. The meeting proved highly productive. Mr. Randle endorsed the committee’s role in vetting submissions and guiding revisions as needed.

As of summer 2025, the first two monographs are in press, with publication expected in December, 2025.

• A Guide to the History and Connoisseurship of Rum,
  by Franklin W. Knight
• Herself and Others: a life story, by Jean McGarry

The committee is pleased with the successful launch of the series and remains optimistic that additional excellent manuscripts will follow.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jean McGarry, Chair
Michael Johnson
Franklin Knight
Bruce Marsh
Stephen Nichols