We are gluttons for scandal. While polite company dictates that we hold our tongues and shake our heads at the transgressions of those in the spotlight, there are few amongst us able to tame that primordial urge to soak up every juicy tidbit of the greatest falls from grace. Television knows this; the news is alive with controversy – real and imagined – for our viewing pleasure, and we are, perhaps, now somewhat immune to shocking public intrigue. But some scandals in modern memory stand as paragons for greatness in the realm of outcry; some proclaim a level of infamy that requires no explanation, reference points or reminders; some need only a single word to conjure our collective clamor. Watergate, anyone? Turn up the heat a little higher this summer as novelist Thomas Mallon brings his latest read, the appropriately-titled Watergate, to the Louisville Free Public Library this Monday, June 18th at 7pm.
A former editor for GQ magazine, Thomas Mallon is the author of numerous published works, including several non-fiction books, two volume of essays and eight novels, including Henry and Clara, Bandbox and Fellow Traveler. With additional publications appearing in the likes of The New Yorker, The Atlantic Monthly and The New York Times Book Review, Mallon latest challenge – serving up one of the greatest scandals story-style – keeps good company. Currently directing the Creative Writing program at The George Washington University, Mallon has also flexed his literary chops working as the deputy chairmen of the National Endowment for the Humanities and teaching at Vassar College.
Join Mallon as he explores the famous breakdown of the Nixon administration from the fictionalized perspectives of seven characters moving in different circles of the scandal. With both a sense of humor – and no want of drama – Watergate moves readers through the hullabaloo of the iconic public meltdown, delving into the complexities and high comedy of Nixon’s infamous presidency. Present-day disgrace seeming hum-drum? Serve it up 70s style and spend the evening discussing one of history’s best (most beloved?) “non-crooks”.
This event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
The Louisville Free Public Library’s Main branch is located at 301 York Street.
Image: Courtesy of Louisville Free Public Library website www.lfpl.org
