McFarland & Company: A Legacy of Scholarly and Niche Nonfiction Publishing
Founded in 1979 by Robert Franklin, McFarland & Company has established itself as a cornerstone of academic and adult nonfiction publishing. Based in Jefferson, North Carolina, the company specializes in high-quality monographs—detailed scholarly studies of a single specialized subject—and reference materials that serve a global audience of researchers, librarians, and enthusiasts.
With a dedicated staff of approximately 50 employees, McFarland has grown steadily over nearly five decades. By 2019, the publisher had released 7,800 titles, maintaining a focused production model where initial print runs typically average 600 copies per book. This approach allows them to sustain deep dives into niche topics that might be overlooked by larger commercial houses.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Founded: 1979 by Robert Franklin.
- Headquarters: Jefferson, North Carolina, USA.
- Core Market: Primarily sells to libraries and niche enthusiasts via direct mailing.
- Output: Publishes between 275 and 350 scholarly monographs and reference titles annually.
- Specializations: Renowned for sports literature (especially baseball), military history, chess, and film.
- Leadership: Led by President Rhonda Herman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Wilson.
Subject Matter and Specializations
McFarland & Company is distinguished by its commitment to subjects that require rigorous research and detailed documentation. While they cover a broad spectrum of nonfiction, they are particularly recognized as a leading publisher of military memoirs and baseball-oriented titles.
Diverse Nonfiction Topics
The company's catalog spans a wide array of intellectual pursuits, including:
- Sports: Extensive coverage of baseball history and other athletic pursuits.
- History: Military history and medieval studies.
- Arts & Culture: Pop culture, film, and literary criticism.
- Specialized Interests: Chess, transportation, and librarianship.
Notable Book Series
To organize its vast output, McFarland produces specialized series, such as Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy (edited by C. W. Sullivan III and Donald Palumbo) and Contributions to Zombie Studies (edited by Kyle William Bishop).
Academic Journals and Scholarly Contributions
Beyond books, McFarland publishes several peer-reviewed journals that provide a platform for academic discourse in specific fields:
- Base Ball: A Journal of the Early Game: Examines the sport's roots and development up to 1920.
- Black Ball: A Journal of the Negro Leagues: Dedicated to the history of Black baseball, including the Negro major and minor leagues.
- Clues: A Journal of Detection: Analyzes mystery and detective narratives across print, film, and television.
- Journal of Information Ethics: Focuses on the intersection of information science and ethics.
- Journal of Territorial and Maritime Studies: Addresses global issues regarding maritime and territorial boundaries.
The McFarland-SABR Baseball Research Award
Reflecting its dominance in sports history, McFarland partners with the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) to present the McFarland-SABR Baseball Research Award. This annual honor recognizes the best articles on baseball biography or history published or completed during the previous year.
The award, which was known as the Macmillan-SABR Baseball Research Award from 1987 to 2000, has honored numerous historians. Recent winners include Mark Armour and Richard J. Puerzer (2025), Gary Belleville (2024), and a group including Charlie Bevis, Yoichi Nagata, Robert K. Fitts, and Mark Brunke (2023).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Robert Franklin |
| Location | Jefferson, North Carolina |
| Total Titles (as of 2019) | 7,800 |
| Annual Publication Rate | 275 - 350 titles |
| Distribution | Self-distributed / Eurospan Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current president of McFarland & Company?
The current president is Rhonda Herman, while Robert Franklin serves as the President Emeritus.
What is the primary target market for McFarland's books?
The company focuses mainly on selling to libraries and utilizes direct mailing to reach enthusiasts in niche subject categories.
How many books does McFarland typically publish per year?
Reports indicate the company publishes between 275 and 350 scholarly monographs and reference titles annually.
What are some of the most prominent topics McFarland covers?
They are highly regarded for their publications on baseball history, military history, chess, and film, as well as gender studies and U.S. history.
What is the McFarland-SABR Baseball Research Award?
It is an annual award presented by the Society for American Baseball Research to authors of the best articles on baseball history or biography.