The two principal professions that produce factual and imaginative writing for the general public are journalism and literature, but many ancillary occupations are associated with writing and publishing. Reporters, authors, editors, literary agents, book designers, illustrators, printers, and booksellers all have specific skills and personal agendas that may bring them into conflict with each other while they are ostensibly working together toward publication or sales. Political or religious beliefs, ambition, greed, envy, jealousy, or revenge may lead to crime among these talented individuals before or after publication. Even readers and book collectors play important roles. Some crimes are particular to this world, such as the suppression of information and falsification of facts in journalism or plagiarism and counterfeit editions in book publishing. These crimes are especially onerous and, when exposed in black and white, may incite murder. This seminar will enjoy tales of crime in publishing beginning with The Funeral Owl by Jim Dunning.

Crime fiction expert B.J. Rahn is the author of the new The Real World of Sherlock. A reading list and copies of the books for discussion are available for registrants.

This seminar takes place in three sessions:
Monday, March 21
Monday, April 18
Monday, May 2
at 11 AM in the Whitridge Room.

Advance registration is required. Click here for registration instructions.