In this event, Professor Kraft will share context and critical thought on Henry James' Washington Square while guiding participants in an exchange of information and opinions.
James Kraft has taught at the University of Virginia, Université Laval, and Wesleyan University. He has written a critical study of the early tales of Henry James, written a biography and edited a five-volume edition of the work of the poet Witter Bynner, and published many articles on American and Canadian literature. He is a frequent discussion leader for the Mercantile Library.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. The program is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature into the lives of its citizens. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.
This year's Big Read book is
Washington Square by Henry James. The story focuses on heiress Catherine Sloper, whose domineering father thwarts her attempts at love and happiness with cad-about-town Morris Townsend. Critic Donald Hall proclaimed, "everybody likes Washington Square, even the denigrators of Henry James."
Through such events around the city as reading groups, lectures, walking tours, performances of The Heiress, and screenings of movies based on the works of Henry James, the Merc hopes to build a new audience for this emotionally subtle, yet universal novel.
The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
