Impurely Academic represents the letters, memos, and other humorous pieces of William J. Keefe, Professor of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh. It is edited and has introductory comments by Alan Rosenthal, Director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

Keefe identifies some fundamental themes in academia and in the social sciences-the language academicians speak, the theory they live by, the exaggeration they employ, the sensitivities they feel, and the politics they practice-and he pokes gentle fun at all of it.

For those who inhabit, or even have passed through the academy, this work will prove most interesting and refreshing. For those who want to know more about the academician-as educator, as researcher, as administrative leader, as professional, as homo politicus, and as person-this work should prove delightful. For insiders and for outsiders alike, Impurely Academic is a work that will join a select handful that are whispered about in knowing approval.