James Lenfestey to present a view of China's Cold Mountain through poetry and film at University of Minnesota Libraries
Contacts: Marlo Welshons, University Libraries, welsh066@umn.edu, (612) 625-9148
Ryan Mathre, University News Service, mathre@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/25/2010) -- Poet James Lenfestey will read from A Cartload of Scrolls: 100 Poems in the Manner of the T'ang Dynasty Hermit Poet Han-Shan 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 at the Elmer L. Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis. A reception will follow the reading, with copies of available for sale and signing by the author.
In 1974, Lenfestey came upon the book Cold Mountain: 100 Poems of the T'ang Dynasty Poet Han-shan. The result 33 years later is his collection of poems inspired by the form and sensibility of that 1,200-year-old Chinese hermit poet, yet brimming with Lenfestey's own humor. Lenfestey will also show a short film of his pilgrimage to China where he paid homage to Han-Shan at his hermit cave.
Lenfestey is the first poet to appear in a new annual Pankake Poetry Series, founded in honor of librarian Marcia Pankake, whose love of poetry was demonstrated in the countless readings and poetry events she hosted at the University Libraries until her retirement in 2007.
This event is free and open to the public; reservations are requested by April 6 at 612-624-9339 or stangret@umn.edu.
