Award-winning Essayist, Poet and Novelist Donald McCaig to Speak at Christopher Newport University
News Release - November 3, 2008
Media Contact:
Lori Jacobs
lori.jacobs@cnu.edu
(757) 594-7961
(Newport News) -
Critically acclaimed essayist, poet and novelist Donald McCaig will speak on campus at the Ferguson Center Music & Theatre Hall, Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. as part of the “Friends of the Trible Library” inaugural event. A reception and book signing will immediately follow. This event is free and open to the public.
McCaig will discuss the writing process and his body of work. His most recent novel, Rhett Butler's People, spent 12 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List. It is a sequel to Gone with the Wind , authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate. His other novels include Canaan, Jacob's Ladder, Nop's Trials and The Butte Polka. McCaig's nonfiction works include Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men, An American Homeplace, A Useful Dog and The Dog Wars.
Among his many honors, McCaig has received the American Library Association Award for best military fiction, the John Esten Cooke Award for best southern fiction, the Michael Shaara Award for best Civil War novel, and the Library of Virginia Award for best fiction. McCaig was named Honorary Doctor of Humanities by Christopher Newport University. His novel Rhett Butler's People was nominated for the Library of Virginia 2008 fiction award. In addition to his novels, McCaig has also written highly praised poems and essays. His reviews and opinion pieces have appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and New York Newsday.
The Paul and Rosemary Trible Library opened in January 2008 and represents the intellectual center of Christopher Newport University. Combining the finest features of a traditional library with state-of-the-art technology, the facility has taken instruction, learning and research to exciting heights for both the campus and local community.
A not-for-profit organization, “Friends of the Trible Library” promotes the academic success of students and enriches the library through various initiatives and activities. Funds raised promote intellectual growth through invited, world-renowned authors and speakers; support undergraduate research; and enhance the library's collections and resources. For information on becoming a member of the “Friends of the Trible Library” contact University Librarian Mary Sellen at (757) 594-7130.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 4,800 students in programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Joseph W. Luter III College of Business and Leadership and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor.
Visit us at www.cnu.edu.