Thomas D. Isern, University Distinguished Professor of history, is set to conduct a book tour at independent bookstores across western North Dakota Aug. 17-19. He is the author of “Pacing Dakota,” an acclaimed new book from NDSU Press.

“Pacing Dakota” is Isern’s seventh book on the history of the Great Plains. He is known for his weekly radio feature, “Plains Folk,“ and he brings the same narrative voice to the book, which he describes as “a fusion of storytelling and memoir.”

“This book might have been called ‘My Life on the Plains,’ but that title was taken,” Isern said, “I am a storyteller. The stories in ‘Pacing Dakota’ come from all over the state. But I’m 66 years old, I have lived all my life on the plains and so I am part of the story, too.”

Three bookstores have stocked ‘Pacing Dakota’ for sale and will host its author in coming days.

Isern is scheduled to meet readers, tell stories, sign books, and sing a ballad or two Friday, Aug. 17, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Western Edge Books, 425 4th St. in Medora, North Dakota. For local information, call 701-623-4345.

A similar event is set in Williston, North Dakota, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The host is Books on Broadway, 12 1/2 W Broadway. Call 701-572-1433 for more information.

The third appearance is scheduled for Minot, North Dakota, on Sunday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The host is Main Street Books, 8 Main St. S. Call 701-839-4050 for details.

Isern is available for comments and interviews.  He can be reached at isern@plainsfolk.comor 701-799-2942. To contact the publisher, go to ndsupress.org.

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