Author Tom Wolfe to speak on campus tomorrow
One of America's leading writers, Wolfe known for his often satirical cultural commentary and edgy wit.
The Daily Pennsylvanian
April 17, 2001
Contemporary American author and journalist Tom Wolfe will speak at this year's School of Arts and Sciences Dean's Forum tomorrow.
Wolfe is widely known for his satires on contemporary life, which include The Bonfire of the Vanities, A Man in Full and In Our Time.
The annual forum -- which will be held in Harrison Auditorium at the University Museum -- traditionally features major liberal arts figures. Wolfe will be speaking about The Third Millennium and the Spirit of the Age.
Previous speakers at the forum include Toni Morrison, Arthur Miller and John Updike. SAS will also present awards to the 2001 Dean's Scholars at the forum.
SAS Dean Samuel Preston, who invited Wolfe, said he believes the author's edgy style of writing and unique personality will appeal to a large undergraduate audience.
"He's one of the great chroniclers of contemporary American society," Preston said. "He has a fascinating cynicism about characters who have developed recently in society."
"He's also a fascinating character and someone who has created a character for himself," Preston added.
Wolfe will also participate in an intimate chat tomorrow afternoon at the Kelly Writers House. The session will be simulcast over the Internet.
Writers House Director Al Filreis said he is excited to bring Wolfe into a more casual environment.
"We're excited to get him into that intimate space and get him in conversation," Filreis said. "He's a bright, fast-thinking and witty person."
Filreis said he believes students will react positively to the lecture as well.
"Wolfe writes very intelligently about contemporary life with an edge," Filreis said. "He's someone who's very much on the edge of society."
Wolfe is considered one of the pioneers of New Journalism, a contemporary style of nonfiction writing. He graduated with his undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University and received his Ph.D. from Yale University.
Wolfe began his career as a journalist, working for The Washington Post and The New York Herald Tribune. He published his first book, The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby, in 1965.
English professors at Penn said they were pleased with the selection of Wolfe as this year's forum speaker.
"It's exciting, immediate journalism," English Department Chairman John Richetti said of Wolfe's work. "It's nonfiction that's as good as fiction."
"He's always up to the minute," Richetti added. "He's accessible, witty and interesting."
English Professor Paul Korshin said Wolfe will appeal to a wide range of people.
"He's written several very popular books," Korshin said. "He's a witty and engaging man, and he's got a lot to say."
The forum will begin at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow at the University Museum. Admission to the lecture is free. The Writers House session will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m.