Why Fiction Matters

Arlington Public Library presents legendary noir author Lawrence Block.

Block, recipient of a Grand Master award from the Mystery Writers of America and four-time Edgar and Shamus Awards-winner, has been writing crime, mystery, and suspense fiction for nearly 60 years.

Dubbed by the New York Times as “a mesmerizing raconteur who collects the stories he hears on the streets and then reprises the voices of the storytellers,” Block is best known for his gritty hardboiled crime fiction with a diverse collection of urban noir series characters, including a recovering alcoholic and cop-turned-private investigator Matthew Scudder, witty bookseller and gentleman burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr, globe-trotting insomniac Evan Tanner, and introspective assassin Keller.

Block’s prolific career spans over 150 books, countless short stories, articles, and books on writing. His works have appeared in magazines, television and film. Although he is best known for his for his crime and mystery series, he developed an early following in the 1950s as a pulp-fiction writer under a number of pseudonyms including Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.

Block currently resides in New York City, a locale that is featured prominently in many of his works. His writings are praised for his richly imagined and varied characters and frequent use of humor. Block will share some of his favorite stories and wisdom accumulated from a lifetime of experience.

 

Books will be available for purchase.

 

Arlington Reads promotes literacy, the joy of reading, and intergenerational participation. This program is made possible in part through the generous support of the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
 

Date:
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Time:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location:
Barbara M. Donnellan Auditorium
Library:
Central Library
Categories:
Do Not Use
Calendar:
zz Central

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Arlington County provides accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact ​us at least five (5) business days in advance.

  • Phone: 703-228-5993
  • Email: Jberg@arlingtonva.us