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2009 McGuffey winner: |
Meteorology Today, 9th ed., by C. Donald Ahrens, published by Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning (College Physical Science category)
C. Donald Ahrens:
"When I began teaching atmospheric science classes forty years ago, I was a young, aspiring teacher full of enthusiasm and energy. The one disconcerting problem that arose was that my students were not happy with my selection of a textbook for the course. 'Why don't you write a book like you teach the class?' was a common suggestion at the end of the semester. So, in the 1970s I began writing chapters for an introductory textbook in meteorology (weather and climate) that I hoped would please my students and put some of the complaining to rest.
The text I intended to write was what I called 'student oriented,' which was somewhat of a novel idea forty years ago. Hopefully, it would be clearly written using everyday examples to explain more detailed weather phenomena. In addition, I wanted the book to be visually appealing, with diagrams that are easy to read and photographs that stand out. I planned to use many of my own photographs to help keep the cost of the book down. After completing several chapters, I sent them off to publishing houses. Within a year, I was offered four contracts to sign. The company I chose was eager to publish my book, but, unfortunately, after two years a new editor emerged who was not willing to publish the more student-oriented book that I had written. Since I was not willing to compromise what I set out to do, we mutually agreed to terminate the contract.
Several months later, I signed a new contract with West Publishing, who agreed to publish my student-oriented textbook. The first edition of Meteorology Today came out in February 1982. Presently, the textbook is in its ninth edition. Although the book has undergone many changes through the years, its original intent is still there: A book for students who might come to appreciate and enjoy the science of the atmosphere as much as I do."
Thoughts on the award from C. Donald Ahrens, Meteorology Today, 9th ed.:
"I am extremely honored to receive this McGuffy award from the Text and Academic Authors Association. I place so much of myself into each edition that it is a great feeling to be recognized for my efforts. Thank you so much."
Thoughts on the award from Yolanda Cossio, Publisher, Nicole Mollica, Marketing Manager, Life Sciences, Brooks Cole, Cengage Learning:
"On behalf of Cengage Learning/Brooks Cole we are honored to receive the McGuffey Award for Don Ahren’s Meteorology Today, 9e textbook. Don’s passion for science and enthusiasm for educating students has led to the long standing success of the franchise. We are privileged to have the pleasure of working with him on communicating accurate, current and pedagogically innovative information to students."
Advice from C. Donald Ahrens, Meteorology Today, 9th ed.:
"Publishing a textbook is much different today than it was when I first started. However, for the new author my advice is still the same: Be involved in all aspects of publishing your book—from the design to the art work, make sure you have input. It’s your book. Don’t be rushed through the process. Make sure the book the publisher is printing is the book you want your name on."
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