Reading by Poet Paul Muldoon Opens Exhibit
of Irish Laureates in Wilson Library

Mon., Oct. 9, 2006
6 p.m.
Louis Round Wilson Library
Event information: 919-962-4207

Sept. 28 - Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon will read from his most recent work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.

Muldoon, one of Ireland's leading living poets, will speak in celebration of the opening of "Nobel Times Four: Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, and Heaney," a new exhibit in UNC's Louis Round Wilson Library. His talk, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, will be held in the Pleasants Family Assembly Room of Wilson Library. This event is free and open to the public.

"Nobel Times Four" showcases the University Library's vast holdings in modern Irish literature, said Charles McNamara, curator of the library's Rare Book Collection.

The four authors represented - W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney - are winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Works by noted Irish author James Joyce, who was not a laureate, also will be on display.

Muldoon, as a contemporary of Heaney, continues the creative trajectory set in motion by Yeats. Nicholas Allen, a professor in the English department, said the author is part of a vital tradition that spans the last century.

"Muldoon's work is sharp, ironic and knowing, always playing with the reader. His poetry bridges the gap between Ireland and America," Allen said. "His public readings are highly entertaining, Muldoon bringing new sense to the words on the page."

McNamara, who curated "Nobel Times Four" with Sarah Fass, said the exhibit shows the depth of the Rare Book Collection's rare and unique holdings in 20th century literature.

"We have over the past decade made a special effort to develop our collections of 20th century literature," he said. The library's collections of works by Yeats, Heaney, and Shaw are particularly strong, and attract scholars from around the world.

The Rare Book Collection has simultaneously developed general strengths in Irish literature that add richness and context for research. McNamara gave the example of a scholar interested in Seamus Heaney. "By coming to Carolina's library, that researcher can also draw upon the writings of Heaney's close friends and associates, along with a wealth of literary and historical materials that shed light on Heaney's work," he said.

Among the most impressive pieces of the exhibit are several unique or rare editions. They include:

• A first edition of Yeats's first book, "Mosada," of which there are less than two dozen known copies.
• Shaw's personal typescript of his play, "The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet," featuring the author's comments and ownership stamp.
• A signed copy of Beckett's "Whoroscope," his first published book.
• Heaney's "Night Drive," with the poet's handwritten versions of each piece opposite its printed page.

The exhibit will also include a portrait of Yeats by artist Augustus John, circa 1905, loaned for display by Townsend Ludington, a retired professor of English at UNC, and his wife, Jane.

"Nobel Times Four" will be on display in the Louis Round Wilson Library through December 31, 2006. The exhibit is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call (919) 962-1143 for information. For information about the exhibit opening and talk, contact Liza Terll (919-962-4207).

Other Stories