<p>Apparently some traditions never die. </p>
<p>After more than 40 years, the "F Book" is back and working as a guide to the Gator Nation. A mixture of scrapbook and student guide, the book outlines the basics of being a student at UF. </p>
<p>Although the book was given to all incoming freshmen during their Preview sessions this year, more than 900 copies of the book have been sold so far. </p>
<p>"Once we put it online, it really took off," said Brent Fisher, software manager at the UF Bookstore. </p>
<p>A portion of book sale proceeds will go to the Student Alumni Association scholarship fund. </p>
<p>The book includes five chapters covering topics like lost traditions, student life and modern traditions. </p>
<p>"As a piece of history, each 'F Book' tells us a lot about the student culture of the time," said UF Historian Carl Van Ness. "The world of a freshman prior to World War II was far removed from the students who came after the war and would totally seem alien to a student in 2006." </p>
<p>The 2006 edition marks the first time the book has been published since its publication was stopped in 1960, when the Office of Student Affairs started producing a student handbook instead. </p>
<p>Inspiration for the original "F Book" came from former Dean of Students Robert C. Beaty, who edited the Georgia Institute of Technology's "T Book" before he came to UF, Van Ness said. </p>
<p>The Alumni Association hopes that future students will use the revived book as a way to enhance their UF experience. </p>
<p>"This is their initial link to the Gator Nation," said Laura Lentz, the UF Alumni Association's assistant director. "We currently are the only school in the country with a book as extensive as the 'F Book.'" </p>
<p>The "F Book" costs $8.95 at the UF Bookstore. Students can receive a free book by joining the Student Alumni Association. </p>