New book on Anne of Green Gables launched on auspicious date
On June 20, 1908, a parcel containing the newly published Anne of Green Gables arrived in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, addressed to L.M. Montgomery. It was her first novel and would go on to be a world classic. Prince Edward Island has been forever marked by the rest of the story of Anne Shirley and her author, Maud Montgomery.
This year, 105 years later, on Thursday, June 20, at 7:00 pm, an event at UPEI's Faculty Lounge, Main Building, will celebrate two milestones for Montgomery and her classic book-the 20th anniversary of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island (LMMI), and the launch of a collection of essays from around the world celebrating Anne of Green Gables.
Since it was founded in 1993, the LMMI has hosted 10 successful international conferences at UPEI, produced CD-ROMs, bibliographies, and exhibits, and contributed to Robertson Library collections of Montgomery memorabilia. The LMMI has contributed immeasurably to international scholarship on Montgomery as it continues to grow worldwide.
The new book-Anne around the World: L.M. Montgomery and Her Classic, edited by Jane Ledwell and Jean Mitchell and published by McGill-Queen's University Press-is the latest evidence of worldwide interest in, and acclaim for, Anne of Green Gables. Inspired by and with some essays deriving from the LMMI 2008 international conference, the book includes almost 20 essays on Anne from scholars around the world. It includes essays by the founding scholars of Montgomery studies-including Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, former UPEI president and founder of the LMMI-alongside established scholars who are new to studying Montgomery and emerging voices with new insights and ideas.
The anniversary celebration and book launch will feature a donation to the LMMI from the heirs of L.M. Montgomery, an additional donation from a mystery donor, book sales and book signings, and light refreshments. Admission to the event is free. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth DeBlois at mdeblois@upei.ca or Pauline MacPherson at pmacpherson@upei.ca or (902) 566-0343.
