Well, not really, but with the release of a commemorative book, two major acquisitions and the climax of the amazing American 20's exhibit, April was a huge month for the Ransom Center. On April 1st, to commemorate the first 50 years of its existence, the Ransom Center released Collecting the Imagination: The First 50 Years of the Ransom Center.

Just a few weeks later, they secured roughly 100 boxes of written materials from playwright and director David Mamet. In addition to the generous gift, Mamet committed to several brief residencies over the next four years at the University of Texas. That means guest lecture fun for the UT community and Austin residents in the very near future.

Last Monday, April 30th, they announced a substantial addition to their already extensive Samuel Beckett collection. Purchased from Beckett's former editor Richard Seaver, the addition includes correspondence between the author and the editor as well as many of Beckett's manuscripts and galleys in various stages and proofs. In sum, the recent acquisition will provide a glimpse into the creative process behind Beckett's work over a 20-year span, 1953-1973.

Tonight, to officially debut Collecting the Imagination, the Ransom Center will host a panel discussion that includes the book's editor Megan Barnard as well as several of its contributors. If you want to know more about one of the bigger gems in Austin's cultural crown and score a signed copy of an excellent coffee table book, head down to the HRC tonight at 7PM.

Collecting the Imagination Panel Discussion and Book Signing
Thursday, May 3
The Harry Ransom Center [map]
7PM, Free