Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will welcome Dr. Tom Richardson, a renowned professor at Mississippi University for Women, as its speaker Wednesday, Sept. 18.
“In line with our September theme of ‘Rivers,’ Dr. Richardson will be leading us in a discussion of one of America’s best loved novels — Mark Twain’s ‘Huckleberry Finn,'” said Friends board member Deborah Johnson. Richardson will provide background on the novel itself as well as talk about key issues in it that make it important to our time, such as ideas about social justice and understanding and connecting with people who are unlike ourselves, the character of “civilization” and how to avoid being duped, Johnson continued. He will also delve into the art of the novel, in terms of how Twain effectively structured “Huckleberry Finn” and his use of humor in it.
Richardson has been at the W since 1988. He is currently the Dean of Arts and Sciences and has been an important part of the university administration as well as the teaching faculty since coming to Columbus. He is professor of English and currently holds the Eudora Welty Chair in Humanities.
Since his arrival at the W, Richardson has been Head of the Division of Humanities, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Graduate Studies and the Interim Provost.
“This is a talk you won’t want to miss, whether you’ve already read ‘Huck Finn’ or always meant to, so come join us for this informative and fun event,” urged Johnson. “Everybody is welcome; you’ll have a great time.”
The library is located at 314 Seventh St. N. in Columbus. Bring lunch at 11:30 a.m. and socialize in the meeting room on the second floor. Iced tea will be provided. The program will begin promptly at noon.
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