January 2026: Book Moves Another Step Closer
Formatting for Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries, was completed recently and the book should be available in paperback format in 4-6 weeks.
Meanwhile, author Perry Hibner also discussed the book at the Middleton Retired Educators Club breakfast meeting on Monday, Jan. 26 at the Middleton Sport Bowl. Hibner worked for a decade as the director of communications for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District before retiring in 2021.
The Dorrance Publishing team formatted the manuscript by author Perry Hibner in late December and early January. Hibner received the formatted book on Jan. 20. He provided approximately 140 revisions, most detailing with bold-facing names and roles that people played in the miniseries, which first aired on NBC in 1978 and 1979.
Dorrance will spend the next two weeks updating the book with Hibner’s revisions. Hibner will then review one final time before giving approval. Besides the paperback version, the book will be available in hardcover, which should be available 6-8 weeks after Hibner gives his approval. An ebook version will also be available.
Hibner said the book will be in 11-point and is approximately 375 pages. The book also includes approximately 30 photos from various sources, including Tessa Dalton, who was a personal photographer for James A. Michener when he wrote Centennial. Dalton’s photos are held by the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
“I never realized how many steps there were before a book is available for readers,’’ Hibner said. “It’s a lot of steps and takes time, but I hope fans of the epic TV miniseries will appreciate this book. And I hope we develop a new generation of Centennial fans.’’
The front and back covers for the paperback edition, along with the inside jackets for the hardcover edition, were finalized in late December. Hibner began interviews for the book in mid-January 2025. He selected Dorrance to publish his book in late summer 2025.
Hibner said he expects to start doing interviews promoting the book starting in March. He has already been asked to attend the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Mo. on April 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and sign books and talk about his book.
Hibner’s book contains more than 75 interviews with cast, crew, extras, locals, experts, and fans. Among those interviewed were Gregory Harrison (Levi Zendt), Barbara Carrera (Clay Basket), Cristina Raines (Lucinda McKeag Zendt), Cliff DeYoung (John Skimmerhorn), William Atherton (Jim Lloyd), Stephen McHattie (Jake Pasquinel), Kario Salem (Mike Pasquinel), Mark Harmon (Captain John McIntosh), and John Wilder, who adapted the Michener best-selling novel for television and was the main producer. The book also includes excerpts from more than 60 primary sources.
