St. Louis' literary heritage runs deep. And the newest entrant in the local literary arts pool will both honor and add to that legacy. On Friday, July 20, 2007, PenUltimate Press, Inc. will make its official debut with the release of its first publication, Evoking Tang: An Anthology of Classical Chinese Poetry, by writer Qiu Xiaolong.
Qiu Xiaolong (pronounced Cho Chowlong)-a native of Shanghai who now calls St. Louis home-is best known for his highly praised mysteries: Death of a Red Heroine, The Loyal Character Dancer, When Red is Black and, most recently, A Case of Two Cities, which is set, in part, in St. Louis. But he is also an acclaimed poet-a past winner of the Missouri Biennial and Prairie Schooner awards-whose work has appeared in more than 20 journals and periodicals. In Evoking Tang, a bilingual translation in Chinese and English, Qiu Xiaolong breathes new life into the poetic masterpieces of the Tang dynasty.
"We're delighted to have Qiu Xiaolong's translation as our premier publication," says Winnie Sullivan, executive director and founder of PenUltimate Press. "This anthology exemplifies our goals as a nonprofit independent publisher-public education, cultural exchange, individual expression, and the provision of a platform for talented local writers," she added. Sullivan looks forward to publishing works across a range of genres: contemporary social issues; history; biography; poetry; and short stories.
The public is invited to attend PenUltimate's inaugural event at which Qiu Xiaolong will read from and sign his new book:A Midsummer Eve's Soiree Friday, July 20 5:30-7:30 pm (poetry reading at 6:30) University City City Hall 6801 Delmar (between Skinker and Big Bend)
Ticket price ($35) includes one copy of Evoking Tang. For more information, or to R.S.V.P. (by July 9), contact Winnie Sullivan: 314.862.3842 or penultim@swbell.net. |
