Cul ture\, History\, and Society: Rare Books and Special Collections&mdash\;James Whitcomb Riley experienced fame and fortune as few wri ters do in their lifetimes because he provided messages that endeared him to a wide range of Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Hi s unprecedented popularity as a poet led many critics and authors to belie ve that Riley would forever be recognized as a major figure in American li terature. Although his status in the literary canon has dwindled\, Riley &rsquo\;s writing\, which expresses the &ldquo\;local color&rdq uo\; of the region\, holds a particularly special place for Hoosiers. Duri ng this program\, Riley bio grapher Elizabeth J. Van Allen\, PhD will share her journey of discovery regarding the complexities of the Hoosier poet&rsquo\;s personal ity\, his rise to fame\, his work\, and his continuing importance and lega cy.
\nPreviewing Materials an
d Online Resources:
Riley
Collection (IndyPL)
James Whitcomb Riley\, 1849-1916 (Digital Indy)
James Whitcomb Ril
ey: The Hoosier Poet (Encyclopedia of Indianapolis)
Riley\, James Whitcomb: Biography (Gale In C
ontext)
Location : \;Held in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) on the 6th floor within Central Library located at 40 East Saint Cl air Street\, Indianapolis\, IN 46204.
\nParking: \;The Central Library has a parkin g garage available to patrons during their time at the Library. Garage pricing informatio n. \;The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street.
\nTh is free in-person lecture is part of the \;Culture\, History\, and Soc iety: Rare Books and Special Collections programs hosted by the Indianapol is Special Collections Room (ISCR) \;located on the 6th floor within C entral Library. Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to&n bsp\;The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. \;
\nAge Group: \;Adults
Contact:&n bsp\;Special Collections Librarian Mon toya Barker
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