File, Digital Video

Marygrove College
Authors Lecture Series 1998
Reading/Reception Ernest J. Gaines

Digital video captured from a Video8 tape containing raw footage of the Ernest J. Gaines' Reading/Reception program from Marygrove College's Contemporary American Authors Lecture series. The program was held at Marygrove College's Madame Cadillac Building on April 24, 1998.

The recording begins with a series of shots of pinned up printouts serving as opening title cards. The footage from the actual event begins with a brief clip of the Rayse Biggs jazz trio performing. That recording then fades to Dr. Barbara Johns, IHM taking the podium to host the event. She introduces Rayse Biggs, who then performs one more song. Afterward, Dr. Johns provides remarks about the series' 10th anniversary, and announcements about signing after the lecture. She then provides an introduction for Ernest J. Gaines.

Ernest Gaines then reads from the first four chapters of his novel "A Lesson Before Dying." After he finishes, the recording fades, then resumes as he is signing books for a long line of attendees.