July 27, 2001 (REVISED Yes) Allen Kurzweil to Discuss His New Novel at the Library of Congress on September 20

Program postponed until November 28, 2001

Press Contact: Craig D'Ooge (202) 707-9189
Public Contact: Center for the Book (202) 707-5221

Allen Kurzweil, whose debut novel, A Case of Curiosities, was published to critical acclaim in 1992, will discuss his new book, The Grand Complication: A Novel (Hyperion, 2001), at the Library of Congress at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20, in the Montpelier Room, sixth floor, James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E. Part of the Center for the Book's "Books & Beyond" author series, the program is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

"This is an engaging and playful intellectual thriller that will appeal to many book lovers," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole. "We are pleased to host Allen Kurzweil's first Washington, D.C., appearance after its publication."

The Grand Complication is narrated by Alexander Short, a stylish young reference librarian of arcane historical interests whose job is in jeopardy and whose marriage is becoming unhinged. In its July 23 issue, Publishers Weekly called the book "a remarkable novel - a flawless blend of adventure, intellect, suspense, humor and antiquity." Barbara Peters, editor of The Poisoned Pen BOOKNEWS, strongly recommended it to those who want to "enjoy a dry, sly, elegant humor with ribald edges. Heraldry. Horology. History. Heaven!"

Allen Kurzweil is currently a fellow at Brown University's John Nicholas Brown Center. He was named one of Granta's "Best Young American Novelists" for A Case of Curiosities, which has just been reissued by Harcourt Inc. He has received fellowships from the Guggenheim and Fulbright foundations and the Center for Scholars and Writers at New York Public Library.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Its program is supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. For information about its projects and publications and the activities of its affiliates in 42 states and the District of Columbia, consult its Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook.

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PR 01-106
2001-07-27
ISSN 0731-3527