22 September 2009

Music and readings to mark Burns book launch

Some of the brightest names in Scottish literature and music will next week gather to mark the launch of a new book celebrating the life of Robert Burns.

'For A' That, A Celebration Of Burns' features exclusive contributions from poets, artists, academics, writers and historians, and is published by Dundee University Press. Tickets for the launch event, which takes place at Dundee Rep at 7pm on Tuesday, September 29th, cost just £5.

Readings from award winning authors Janice Galloway and Kirsty Gunn can be heard, alongside music from renowned singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt and traditional music singer Maureen Jelks.

Local vocalist Dominic Venditozzi will also be performing at the evening, which will be opened by a performance by drummers Afrodisiac.

Professor Christopher Whatley, Vice-Principal of the University and head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, and Dr Jim Stewart, from the Department of English, will also read from their contributions to the book on the evening.

Anna Day, of Dundee University Press, said, 'This should be a fantastic evening, a real mix of words and music. We want to represent Burns in his many guises, as a strong Scottish symbol, but also as somebody with national and international reach. The readings and music will be exciting and lively, and are a real complement to the book.'

Tickets to the event are available from the Rep by calling 01382 223530

‘For A’ That’, will be on sale on the night or is available from all good bookshops, priced £6.99.

Booker Prize-winning author DBC Pierre has contributed a satirical essay exploring 'the suppression and undervaluation in Scotland of Robert Burns due to historical omission and manipulation’ to the book.'

Other offerings include those from award-winning novelist Janice Galloway (an essay entitled ‘Singing for Suppers’), Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Dundee (a short story ‘Memorial’ inspired by Burns), and renowned New Zealand poet Bill Manhire (a poem entitled ‘The Best Burns Statue’).

The book features original artwork by Brigid Collins, an artist and illustrator who lectures at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, part of the University, and was designed by Tim Bremner

An exhibition of the artwork used in the book will precede the launch event and takes place at the Queen Mother Building between 5.15-6.30pm.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277