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May 23, 2000
Press Contact: Guy Lamolinara (202) 707-9217
Public Contact: Center for the Book (202) 707-5221

Harold Bloom To Discuss His New Book About Reading

The distinguished author and scholar Harold Bloom will discuss his new book, How to Read and Why (Scribner, 2000), on Wednesday, June 28, in the Mumford Room, sixth floor, James Madison Memorial Building, at 6 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Part of the Center for the Book's "Books & Beyond" author series, the presentation is sponsored by the center and the Library's Office of Scholarly Programs.

Mr. Bloom is Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University and Berg Professor of English at New York University. He has written more than 20 books during 40 years as a college professor and critic. His most recent work, the bestseller Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, was nominated for the National Book Award.

During his talk, Mr. Bloom will focus on how to read for both pleasure and insight. In How to Read and Why, he discusses classic short stories, poems, novels, and plays. The book is described as "equal parts inspiration, self-help, and brilliant analysis of seminal works." It is a practical book designed for the general reader, illustrating both the pleasures and the importance of reading.

The Center for the Book was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. For information about its program and the activities of its 40 affiliated state centers, visit its Web site at http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook. The Office of Scholarly Programs sponsors lectures and conferences on many subjects as well as providing research facilities and assistance to scholars doing full-time research at the Library of Congress.

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PR 00-087
5/23/00
ISSN 0731-3527