Join us at Central Library with James Whitcomb Riley biographer Elizabeth J. Van Allen, PhD. She'll share her journey of discovery regarding the complexities of the Hoosier poet’s personality, his rise to fame, his work, and his continuing importance and legacy.
Culture, History, and Society: Rare Books and Special Collections—James Whitcomb Riley experienced fame and fortune as few writers 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. His unprecedented popularity as a poet led many critics and authors to believe that Riley would forever be recognized as a major figure in American literature. Although his status in the literary canon has dwindled, Riley’s writing, which expresses the “local color” of the region, holds a particularly special place for Hoosiers. During this program, Riley biographer Elizabeth J. Van Allen, PhD will share her journey of discovery regarding the complexities of the Hoosier poet’s personality, his rise to fame, his work, and his continuing importance and legacy.
Previewing Materials and Online Resources:
Riley Collection (IndyPL)
James Whitcomb Riley, 1849-1916 (Digital Indy)
James Whitcomb Riley: The Hoosier Poet (Encyclopedia of Indianapolis)
Riley, James Whitcomb: Biography (Gale In Context)
Location: Held in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) on the 6th floor within Central Library located at 40 East Saint Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Parking: The Central Library has a parking garage available to patrons during their time at the Library. Garage pricing information. The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street.
This free in-person lecture is part of the Culture, History, and Society: Rare Books and Special Collections programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) located on the 6th floor within Central Library. Made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Age Group: Adults
Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
TAGS: | riley presentation | riley poetry | riley collection | riley | rare books and special collections | poetry | poems | marion county | lectures | james whitcomb riley collection | james whitcomb riley | iscr programs | iscr lecture | iscr history topics | Indianapolis special collections room | indianapolis programs | indianapolis lectures | indianapolis history | indianapolis authors | indianapolis | indiana poets | indiana poetry | indiana authors | history lectures | history | historic indianapolis | culture history and society |
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.
