(3.2) Nathaniel Philbrick’s “Mayflower” is one of my favorite books and will likely be the last word on the Pilgrims for some time. Such was my enthusiasm, that I subsequently picked up “Bunker Hill,” even though I wasn’t sure I needed an entire book on the subject, and it was equally fascinating. Philbrick has made a career out of unearthing these under-examined slices of history (I had never heard of Dr. Joseph Warren) and spinning them into narrative gold. He reads like fiction but Philbrick’s scholarship is solid. The joy of reading good history is knowing — this actually happened!
Brown alum class of ’78, Nathaniel Philbrick, will take part in a discussion after being awarded the Caleb Fiske Harris Collection Literary Award, in an event hosted by the Brown University Library. Philbrick is the author of several books including “In the Heart of the Sea,””Sea of Glory,” and “Mayflower,” a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in History. His latest is “Valiant Ambition” about George Washington and Benedict Arnold (NYT 5.20.16).
The Harris Collection Literary Award recognizes leaders in the creative community for their outstanding contributions to American literature. George RR Martin and Tom Doherty are previous recipients of the Harris Collection Literary Award.
Mr. Philbrick is happy to sign books brought to the event at the reception following the interview program. (Books will not be sold at the event.)
Open to the public, 7pm, Thursday, March 2, Salomon Center, 79 Waterman Street, (directions)
Hi Beth-
Did you read “In the Heart of the Sea”?
The movie kind of stank, but the book is unforgettable.
Nat’s father is my father’s younger brother.
I’m enjoying my daily dose, even though I only know perhaps one of the bands that play on any given week.
Hope you are well, and to see you soon.
Tim