FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The dog days of summer are here, so why not chill out with a heartwarming book on ice? Author Elli Morris will sign her “cool” debut work, Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, on July 19, 2-4 p.m., at Page & Palette Bookstore, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope.

The block ice era may have passed, but Morris brings it back to life in her book, an affectionate look at the manufactured ice business that helped shape the American South.

A blend of cultural history, 20th century technology and personal journey, Cooling the South, is the only cumulative body of work on this industry that once ranked among the top 10 in the nation.

The book introduces readers to the shock and sacrilege artificial ice was when first invented, how the business was so vital that an iceman could be excused from war duty and how children ran behind ice delivery trucks, begging for a sliver of ice during sweltering summers in the days before air conditioning and refrigerators.

Morris, a photojournalist from Richmond, Va., offers a story that is fresh using a fascinating combination of historical facts and personal recollections. Her modern and historic photographs offer a beautifully rendered homage to the men and women of the ice industry.

Cooling the South recently received highest honors at two international competitions.

For more information, contact Page & Palette at (251) 928-5295, or visit online at www.pageandpalette.com.

The author will exclusively sign all books purchased from Page & Palette.