Stu Levitan Releases New Madison History Book

The latest volume chronicles significant moments in Madison between 1932 and 1979.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Historical

Screen-print poster illustration of a mid-century brass lamp and a stack of books, evoking the study of historical urban records. — Author Stu Levitan has released his latest volume, Madison: The Illustrated History, Volume 2, chronicling the city's development from 1932 through 1979. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Author Stu Levitan has published a new work titled Madison: The Illustrated History, Volume 2. The book provides a detailed look at the local history of Madison throughout the mid-twentieth century.

Why it matters

This publication serves as a comprehensive record of the citys development, documenting the social and structural changes experienced by Madison residents over nearly five decades.

The new book covers a specific 47-year timeline beginning in 1932 and concluding in 1979. It is now officially available for purchase through the University of Wisconsin Press.

The players

Stu Levitan

Stu Levitan is the author who documented the historical narrative of the city in his new two-volume series.

University of Wisconsin Press

University of Wisconsin Press is the academic publishing house responsible for releasing the new historical work.

The details

Authored by Stu Levitan and released by the University of Wisconsin Press, this volume explores the evolution of the city during a transformative era. The text aims to capture the distinct character of the capital city across these decades.

The book spans historical events occurring from 1932 to 1979.
Stu Levitan discussed the new publication on October 26, 2026.

Culture Shift

This work aligns with the broader push to archive local heritage, mirroring the systematic efforts seen in the ongoing documentation of municipal history by the Wisconsin Historical Society. It reflects a growing societal interest in preserving community-specific narratives against the erasure of time.

Residents and history enthusiasts can now add this volume to their personal collections or local library research. The publication provides a deeper understanding of the specific local landmarks and events that shaped the city during the mid-twentieth century.

The takeaway

Understanding the history of a city provides residents with a better grasp of current urban planning and community identity. Readers should look for this volume at local book retailers to see how their specific neighborhoods have evolved since the early 1930s.