Last
week they held the annual PEN Literary Gala at The Pierre.
I love this event for a couple of emotional reasons. First of all,
for the fan, the reader, it is a singular occasion when many authors
are present. For example, the tables are hosted by some of the most
prominent contemporary writers and editors in America today. Such
as: K. Anthony Appiah, David Auburn, Robert Caro, Ron Chernow,
Billy Collins, E.L. Doctorow, Jonathan Franzen,
Arthur Miller, Jamaica Kincaid and dozens of others.
The benefit chairs were Tina Brown, Toni Goodale and
Laurence J. Kirshbaum. Annette Tapert was
benefit chair.
The PEN American Center defends imprisoned, persecuted and censored
writers. It promotes the freedom to read and write in the United
States and more than ninety other countries. It introduces new readers
to the works of contemporary American authors. It sustains and encourages
the audience for literature through public literary programs, and
it supports the fellowship of writers through publications, literary
awards, and assistance to writers in need.
Click
here for the full writeup from the day after the event. |
