1780 – The Official Blog of Transylvania University

1780 | The Official Blog of Transylvania University

Author of ‘1,000 Books to Read Before You Die’ to speak at Transylvania on Oct. 18

James Mustich, a veteran bookseller and author of “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List,” will visit Transylvania University on Thursday, Oct. 18, for a free, public conversation. His compendium of noteworthy books was more than 14 years in the making and includes a diverse selection—from classic novels to memoirs to children’s books. Mustich’s talk, which is part of Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence Series and the New Frontiers season, will be at 4:30 p.m. in Carrick Theater. “James Mustich’s work is a unique achievement,” Transylvania President Seamus Carey said. “His book is a model of the highest erudition and reminds us of the vast resources we have for elevating human awareness, discourse and understanding.  It is a call back to the art and act of reading and to the cultivation of ever deeper and broader contexts for living.  In the age of social media, which strips so much context away, and with it, the social mores of civil society, Mustich’s work could not be more timely.  We are honored to welcome this remarkable thinker to campus, and we look forward to an engaging conversation.” Providing more than 900 pages on notable books, Mustich’s literary guide is the fifth installment of the “1,000…Before You Die” series, which has more than 4.4 million copies in print. Brief, compelling essays accompany each title, providing context for the work and the reason it was included. “The list is not, as Mustich insists

Renowned guests to discuss civility in Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence Series

LEXINGTON, Ky.—A focus on civility—what it is and how we understand it—plays a leading role in Transylvania University’s Creative Intelligence Series 2018-2019, which includes a variety of speakers and performances. From a lecture by a world-renowned author to a Grammy-nominated oratorio to discussion with an award-winning podcaster, the community is invited to consider this year’s campus theme.  “The 2018-19 Creative Intelligence series features artists, scholars and media makers who crack open the concept of civility in dynamic and unexpected ways,” said Zoé Strecker, an art professor and director of Creative Intelligence and special academic programming. “My hope is that these guests will give us the tools and inspiration to expand our sense of civility and to put it into action. It is a tremendous privilege to share these constructive experiments with the community at large.” All of Transylvania’s Creative Intelligence events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. The series is part of Transylvania’s New Frontiers season, which asks us to go beyond the familiar with new ideas, art and music. Highlights from the 2018-2019 Creative Intelligence series are: Dylan Marron, a popular podcaster who engages people who have been uncivil toward him, on Oct. 8 The Smith Concert Series presentation “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a choral drama featuring the Grammy-winning Conspirare singers, on Oct. 9 James Mustich, author of the upcoming “1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List,” on Oct. 18 Susan Weinstein, who brings