Introducing The Pittsburgh Review of Books: A Hub for Literary Voices

The Pittsburgh Review of Books (PRoB) has launched, offering a new platform dedicated to reviews, essays and conversations about literature and culture.

Created by Ed Simon, public humanities special faculty in Carnegie Mellon University’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, PRoB is rooted in Pittsburgh’s tradition of creativity and exchange. The publication seeks to highlight both established and emerging voices while fostering dialogue that connects local perspectives to national conversations.

“Our goal at PRoB is to have the site introduce Pittsburgh writers to the world and to introduce world writers to Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon is invaluable in making this possible,” said Simon, editor-in-chief of PRoB.

PRoB’s masthead includes CMU staff and graduate and undergraduate students. The publication will release at least two new pieces every week, and monthly columns include The Foundry, Third Person Limited, Studiolo and Object Lessons Impressions. (Add sidebar 2)

Connecting with the community

Housed within CMU’s Department of English, PRoB creates a bridge between the university and cultural community in the city. PRoB’s many local partners include Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, the International Poetry Forum and City of Asylum. The publication provides students with the opportunity to meet local and national writers. This includes a partnership with Autumn House Press, which gives writers from PRoB the ability to interview its authors for the publication.

“Autumn House Press is thrilled to be partnering with The Pittsburgh Review of Books,” said Christine Stroud, editor-in-chief of Autumn House Press. “PRoB's platform will offer a meaningful way for AHP authors to connect with local writers and readers, while also helping to nurture Pittsburgh’s vibrant literary community. Under Ed Simon's direction, we know there will be so many opportunities for dialogue and discovery, and we’re honored to support PRoB’s mission.”

PRoB also is partnering with the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures’ Ten Evenings, a series that brings celebrated authors to Pittsburgh to share their research and creative process. Through this partnership, PRoB will run interviews with each author in conjunction with each event. The first interview featuring historian Jill Lepore, author of “We the People,” precedes her Ten Evenings event scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15.

Strengthening the humanities at CMU

The launch of PRoB underscores CMU’s leadership in advancing the humanities. By fostering dialogue, the publication highlights the university’s commitment to critical inquiry and the exchange of ideas. Serving as a regional platform, PRoB reflects CMU’s dedication to elevating a variety of perspectives.

“Ed Simon is one of the public humanities' most important contemporary figures, and it's a privilege to be able to support Ed's launch of the Pittsburgh Review of Books,” said Chris Warren, head of the Department of English. “I like to say that English at Carnegie Mellon is where readers find refuge and leaders find language. It's tremendous to see the Pittsburgh Review of Books even in its very first issue offering that same spirit to our city and to our world.”