The Bookstore To Host MT Author Gretchen Minton

Montana author and MSU Professor, Gretchen Minton will be signing copies of her award winning book "Shakespeare in Montana - Big Sky Country's Love Affair with the World's most Famous Writer from 12:30-1:30 at The Bookstore on Saturday, January 8th. This book is a fascinating and comprehensive survey of Shakespeare's role in the Big Sky Country's social history.

Tracing more than two centuries of history Minton uncovers a vast array of different voices that capture the state’s love affair with the world’s most famous writer. From mountain men, pioneers, and itinerant acting companies in mining camps to women’s clubs at the turn of the twentieth century and the contemporary popularity of Shakespeare in the Parks throughout Montana. The book chronicles the stories of residents across this incredible western state who have been attracted to the words and works of Shakespeare.

“Shakespeare in Montana” is Minton’s sixth book. The project initially began with her husband’s reading about mountain man Jim Bridger, who was illiterate and routinely hired someone to read Shakespeare to him by the campfire light. Additionally, she was also inspired by her work as the dramaturg, or literary adviser, with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, a theater troupe based at MSU that travels thousands of miles each summer with a portable stage taking Shakespeare’s plays to scores of small communities in Montana and surrounding states.

By revealing what Shakespeare has meant to the people of Montana, Minton offers us a better understanding of the state’s citizens and history while providing a key perspective on Shakespeare’s enduring global influence.

The author will also be the guest of the Shakespeare Book club following the signing at The Bookstore. Please call 683-6807 if you have any questions or would like to reserve a copy of Shakespeare in Montana