Paul Robertson Endowed Lecture Series
The Paul Robertson Endowed Lecture on the History, Art and Literature of California invites historians and scholars to explore the state’s rich and complex history and its many distinct artistic and cultural movements while interpreting and presenting the work of gifted California writers and poets.
It is delivered annually with a presentation in San Francisco at the Book Club and at a venue in Southern California. The lecture is reprinted in an issue of the Book Club’s letterpress-printed Quarterly News-Letter following the talk.
Monday, December 11, 2019
A Fair View of Progress: Half a Century of Innovation at 20th Century Expositions
International Expositions, also called World’s Fairs, have showcased innovation since their inception. The major U.S. World’s Fairs in the 50 years between 1915 and 1965 displayed leaps forward in areas including transportation, communication, entertainment, and even recommendations on how Americans should live. Some of these new concepts were unqualified successes, while some proved perilous missteps.
Laura Ackley will transport us through half a century of significant advances shown at U.S. World’s Fairs, discussing how they stood the test of time.
An illustrated talk by Laura A. Ackley
Monday, October 22, 2018
Prints of the California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush of 1849 took place at a time when the visual means of mass communication progressed at a rapid pace. Lithographs and wood engravings gave visual credence to the wonderful news that poured out of California. The presentation will highlight the feverish rush to the golden land, mining scenes, and early birds-eye-views of cities and towns. Scenes of humor and satire will be included. The program will also feature pictorial letter sheets and color plates from Gold Rush books and rare modern prints by artists Barry Moser and Rick Olson.
An illustrated talk by Gary F. Kurutz