January 18, 2007
Author Michael Collins to speak at Suzzallo
Michael Collins, author of Death of a Writer, will speak at the Friends of the University of Washington Libraries Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, in 101 Suzzallo.
Death of a Writer was described by one critic as “as caustic as it is brilliant, a concoction of academic satire, German philosophy and literary criticism mixed up as a haunting murder mystery that will leave you disoriented — and deeply amused.” Collins’ novels and short stories have been translated into 17 languages. While working for Microsoft, Collins penned The Keepers of Truth, which was short-listed for The Booker Prize in 2000 and won The Kerry Ingredients Irish Novel of the Year, also in 2000. Other awards include two New York Times Notable Books, and a Pushcart Prize for Best American Short Story.
Born in Limerick, Ireland in 1964, Collins grew up in Ireland and holds an MA in Creative Writing from The University of Notre Dame, Indiana where he attended on an athletic scholarship. In 1997 he earned a doctorate in Creative Writing from The University of Illinois. He is a distant relation of the Irish Nationalist, Michael Collins, and prides himself on the political and social legacy for which Collins fought and died on behalf of Ireland. He has taught at various institutions, including The Art Institute of Chicago and Western Washington University.
Collins is also an extreme athlete, competing around the globe in such events as the Sahara Marathon and the North Pole Marathon.
The lecture is free and open to the public, however reservations are required. Call 206-616-8397 or e-mail uwlibs@u.washington.edu. The talk will be followed by a question and answer period and reception with Collins.
