Join J.D. Vance as he discusses Hillbilly Elegy, the national best-seller which grew from personal memoir into a story with national resonance, his experience in writing the book, and its effect on his career and his life. The ticket price includes a pre-signed copy of the new paperback edition of Hillbilly Elegy.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

The novels of Elena Ferrante’s rich, intense Neapolitan Quartet have captivated readers as they follow two friends whose lives change over the course of 60 years after World War II. Part of a 4-session course, join Lisbeth Strimple Fuisz of Georgetown University in spirited lectures and informal discussions about these compelling books. This session's featured novel is Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay.

Monday, May 7, 2018 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The revolutionary era produced some of the most important political texts and autobiographies in American history. This four-evening book discussion series offers the chance to learn about, read, and informally discuss four classics of the period by Founding Fathers and one too-often-overlooked masterpiece by an ordinary American soldier. This session discusses Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

Monday, May 7, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Grab your trench coat, dust off your fedora, and join a tribute to author Dashiell Hammett who helped to pioneer the “hard-boiled” detective story, with novels such as Red Harvest, The Maltese Falcon, and The Thin Man.

Monday, May 14, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

The revolutionary era produced some of the most important political texts and autobiographies in American history. This four-evening book discussion series offers the chance to learn about, read, and informally discuss four classics of the period by Founding Fathers and one too-often-overlooked masterpiece by an ordinary American soldier. This session discusses Ordinary Courage by Joseph Plumb Martin.

Monday, May 21, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles’ famous tragedies were written to provide essential lessons for an Athenian audience in 5th century B.C., and that still resonate today. Archaeologist Frederick Winter examines these timeless works in their ancient and modern contexts. A reception at the Embassy of Greece follows the presentation.

Thursday, May 31, 2018 - 6:30 p.m.

The novels of Elena Ferrante’s rich, intense Neapolitan Quartet have captivated readers as they follow two friends whose lives change over the course of 60 years after World War II. Part of a 4-session course, join Lisbeth Strimple Fuisz of Georgetown University in spirited lectures and informal discussions about these compelling books. This session's featured novel is The Story of the Lost Child.

Monday, June 4, 2018 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The revolutionary era produced some of the most important political texts and autobiographies in American history. This four-evening book discussion series offers the chance to learn about, read, and informally discuss four classics of the period by Founding Fathers and one too-often-overlooked masterpiece by an ordinary American soldier. This session discusses The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Monday, June 11, 2018 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Palimpsests—text and drawings on parchment that had been scraped off and overwritten—can hold secrets of the original writing beneath their surfaces for centuries. Michael B. Toth discusses how the international teams of researchers he leads use advanced imagining technologies to reclaim and share precious texts once thought lost forever.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - 6:45 p.m.

The scenic and historic Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts are alive with music, art, and theatre. Journalist Richard Selden leads a 5-day tour that offers a splendid sampling of cultural attractions in the region, from historic writers’ homes to outstanding museums to music and theatre performances.

Depart: Sunday, July 29, 2018 - 6:30 a.m.
Return: Thursday, August 2, 2018 - 9:30 p.m.