February 14, 1995

Press Contact: Jeanne Smith (202) 707-4337
Public Contact: Rare Book and Special Collections Division (202) 707-5434

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Authors Gay Talese and Jay Parini To Lecture at the Library of Congress

Authors Gay Talese and Jay Parini will discuss the Italian influence on American literature at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 in the Mumford Room, sixth floor, Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE.

Gay Talese wrote a best-selling book about The New York Times called The Kingdom and the Power in 1969; his most recent book is Unto the Sons (1992). Jay Parini has just published John Steinbeck: A Biography (Holt, 1995) and has also written and edited books of poetry, biographical works and novels.

The lecture is the second in a series on the Italian influence on America. The series is being jointly sponsored by the Library's Rare Book and Special Collections Division, the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute and the National Italian American Foundation.

According to Larry E. Sullivan, Chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, the series is intended "to foster consideration and assess the contribution of Italy to American culture and customs, economic and social issues, international relations, and government and public policy."

The lecture is free and open to the public, with no tickets or reservations required. Interpreting services (American Sign Language, Contact Signing, Oral and Tactile) will be provided if requested five business days in advance of the lecture. Call (202) 707-6362, TTY and voice, to make a specific request. For other ADA accommodations, please contact the Disability Employment Program office at (202) 707-9948 TTY and (202) 707- 7544 voice.

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PR 95-026
2/14/95
ISSN 0731-3527