The exhibition, which was curated by Timothy Murray, head of UD's Special Collections Department, will showcase many papers, books, original manuscripts, photographs, artwork and other materials drawn from the extensive collection UD (the official repository for the papers of Ishmael Reed) holds on the distinguished writer.
“Ishmael Reed is one of the most accomplished authors of his generation and is equally at home as a poet, novelist, essayist and playwright,” Murray said. “The University of Delaware Library is pleased to be the official repository for the literary papers of Ishmael Reed, and the upcoming 70th anniversary of his birth on Feb. 22, 2008, provides us the opportunity to have an early celebration in his honor with this exhibit drawn entirely from our holdings in Special Collections.”
Reed has had more than 30 books published and was twice nominated for the National Book Award. Besides receiving several literary honors, fellowships and prizes over the course of his career, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and served as a senior lecturer for more than 20 years at the University of California, Berkeley.
Reed, who attended the University of Buffalo, taught at the University of California-Berkeley, for more than 30 years and became an emeritus professor in January 2005. He served as an editor for the weekly Newark, N.J., Advance and in 1965 co-founded the East Village Other, the first alternative paper to be sold nationally.
His best-known novels include The Free-Lance Pallbearers, Yellow Back Radio Broke Down and Mumbo Jumbo. He co-founded Yardbird Publications and Reed, Cannon and Johnson Communications, and has edited several magazines and anthologies.
The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours. For more information on the exhibition and hours, call (302) 831-BOOK or go to [www.lib.udel.edu].
An exhibition program with remarks by Reed is set for 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Reserve Room of the Morris Library. A reception will follow.
Co-sponsors of Reed's visit to campus on Oct. 24 are the College of Arts & Sciences, the Black American Studies Program, the English Department, the Faculty Senate Committee on Cultural Activities and Public Events, the Office of the Provost, the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Delaware Library Associates and the University of Delaware Library. Further information about Reed's visit will be forthcoming.
