Florida Southern lecture series opens in Lakeland with author of book on Rawlings
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The Florida Lecture Series at Florida Southern College in Lakeland opens Thursday with a lecture about Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Florida-based author of “The Yearling.”
Ann McCutchan, an author, lyricist and librettist, will discuss her book, “The Life She Wanted to Live: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.” The lecture will provide context on the late Rawlings, a northerner who found her voice while living in the remote hamlet of Cross Creek, according to a news release.
"We're delighted to welcome Ann McCutchan, one of America's leading practitioners of creative nonfiction," said Florida Southern professor of history James M. Denham, director of the Lawton M. Chiles Jr. Center for Florida History. "Her life of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings is a story that all of us can identify with."
Rawlings, who won a Pulitzer Prize for “The Yearling,” is also the author of “South Moon Under” and “Cross Creek,” among other books.
What is it?
The Florida Lecture Series, presented by the Lawton M. Chiles Jr. Center for Florida History, is entering its 22nd year. Previous speakers include Patrick D. Smith, Gilbert King and Susan MacManus.
"I think we've got yet again a really mixed, eclectic group, from literature, to the environment to food, with the Cuban sandwiches, to law," Denham said. "This year’s series offers many diverse topics, which touch upon numerous aspects of Florida culture and society."
Where and when?
All lectures are free and open to the public. The events begin at 7 p.m. in Branscomb Auditorium, unless otherwise indicated.
Other lectures
Clay Henderson, an environmental lawyer, educator, historian and writer, will appear Oct. 5 to discuss his 2022 book, “Forces of Nature: A History of Florida Land Conservation.” The book, published by University Press of Florida, offers a comprehensive look at the battles over environmental preservation in the Sunshine State.
Henderson, a former president of Audubon Florida, draws upon his personal knowledge over decades of advocacy for conservation.
Preservation architect Jeff Baker will speak Nov. 16 on the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright campus at Florida Southern. Baker has led efforts to maintain and restore the main structures designed by the nation’s best-known architect.
Baker’s lecture will take place in the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, designed by Wright.
Christophe J. Boucher, a professor of history at the College of Charleston, will discuss French colonization in Florida in his Jan. 18 lecture in the Hollis Room. Boucher will explore the history of Fort Caroline, located near present-day Jacksonville, which triggered a dramatic Spanish response and led directly to the founding of St. Augustine.
Author Andy Huse will serve up the history of the Cuban sandwich in his lecture on Feb. 8.
Huse, the special collections librarian at the University of South Florida, is the author of “The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers.” The book offers a social and cultural history behind how “The Cubano” became a lunch-counter staple in the U.S. and beyond.
The series concludes March 28 with a return appearance by Douglas Brinkley, one of America’s most prominent historians and public intellectuals. Brinkley will discuss his 2022 book, “Silent Spring Revolution,” the third installment of his environmental history of America series.
Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University in Houston, has written more than 30 books on such subjects as Theodore Roosevelt, the D-Day Invasion and Walter Cronkite. He appears frequently on CNN, CBS, MSNBC and NPR.
Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Author of Rawlings book opens Florida Lecture Series in Lakeland