Barry Unsworth (1930–2012)

Barry Unsworth reads from Land of Marvels.

Co-presented with the WASHINGTON CENTER FOR THE BOOK AT THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. A special occasion this is, as novelist Barry Unsworth, winner of the Booker Prize for his novel, Sacred Hunger, and one of the most acclaimed writers at work today, makes what we believe is his first-ever Seattle appearance. Occasioning this Seattle Central Library visit is his newest novel, Land of Marvels (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday). (KingRat)… (more)

BARRY UNSWORTH discusses Land of Marvels.

(LOCATION: Cindy Pritzker Auditorium) Writers on the Record with Victoria Lautman presents acclaimed British author Barry Unsworth, winner of the Booker Prize, in conversation about his new historical novel. Land of Marvels unfolds in 1914 during the death throes of the Ottoman Empire, in present-day Iraq. While Western nations struggle unscrupulously for a slice of Mesopotamia, a British archeologist tries desperately to preserve the fantastic treasures he's unearthed, even as an encroaching railroad - and the search for oil - threaten to destroy his life's work. Part thriller, part historical fiction, part compelling melodrama, Land of Marvels is a fascinating novel that opens a timely window onto the past. Writers on the Record with Victoria Lautman is a partnership with the Chicago Public Library and 98.7WFMT Radio. The interview will be broadcast on Sunday, January 25th. (bookjones)… (more)