A Wizard of Earthsea KICK-OFF Event
Tuesday, February 24th, 2015, 5-6:30pm
Location: Potomac Lounge, University Union, Towson University
Michael Hughes, novelist, magician, and frequent public speaker, will discuss A Wizard of Earthsea with a special emphasis on the book’s portrayal of magic. A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula Le Guin, is a much-loved classic about the quest of a young wizard and the magical power of words that can literally disturb the universe. After the presentation, meet Hughes for a “digital book signing” of his novels, Blackwater Lights and Witch Lights and pick up a free copy of A Wizard of Earthsea. This event is funded by the Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Light refreshments will be available!
About The Big Read:
A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin will be featured in a variety of programming throughout Baltimore City and County during Spring 2015. This reading program is made possible by The Big Read grant, received by Towson University and various community partners. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Along with monetary support, The Big Read also provides a Reader’s Guide, Teacher’s Guide and Audio Guide all available on their website.
Published in 1968, A Wizard of Earthsea has become a classic that inspires many of the science fiction and fantasy writers of today. Popular with all ages, the book is the first in the Earthsea Cycle series and won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. The story follows a young wizard in a world where words hold magical powers, and understanding the true name of an object, or person, gives a select few magical ability. However, using these powers holds the risk of sending the world out of balance, and the young protagonist, Ged, does just that. The story follows his journey to return equilibrium to the world.
Recently, Ursula K. Le Guin was recognized during the National Book Awards and received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. She provided a moving speech about the need for fantasy writers. We hope her book and the events planned this spring will also inspire readers of all ages to understand the power of words.
Please check our list of Big Read Events, which includes – book discussions at Baltimore area libraries, schools and Senior Centers, a kick-off event featuring a local author, lectures from a variety of local academics, science fiction exhibits and more! Free copies of the book will be made available at these various events and copies have been distributed to our public library partners in order to allow as many people as possible to enjoy A Wizard of Earthsea.
To learn more about all the Big Read Events, visit: http://libraries.towson.edu/big-read/events
