Asking all the bard questions
Among the hidden treasures of the Central Oregon Coast is our very own internationally-known Shakespearean scholar, Dr. Alexandra Mason, who will officially release two new books at the grand opening of Sterncastle Publishing in Newport’s Seatowne Mall this Saturday, Oct. 22.
The event includes live music from Rockfish, refreshments, book readings and signings and giveaways. Joining Mason in person will be John R. Sankovich, author of the YA fantasy “Gifted” and “Gifted Origins” series. Alina Rubin, author of “Girl with a Knife” will join via live remote, with a special free gift for anyone who purchases her book.
Mason’s new novel, “Shakespeare’s Pipe” illustrates the desire to know more about the great poet and dramatist, whose life even to this day is shrouded in mystery.
Tempted by some DNA left on a smoker’s pipe found inside the walls of Shakespeare’s birthplace, forensic scientist Kingsley Armstrong secretly undertakes to bring the bard to life in our time — with unexpected results.
Her second book, “Shakespeare’s Money Talks,” examines coin and money metaphors in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporary dramatists. With color illustrations of the actual coins, the study identifies and defines coinage references and puns and their metaphorical applications to love, marriage and human value.
Critics, including the curator of Early Modern Coins at the British Museum, said that “this study shows why proper understanding of Renaissance art and culture requires that we follow the money: not via marketplace exchanges, but rather thought and speech that either governs or is governed by them.”
A former President of Writers on the Edge and the Tuesday Writers of Waldport and founder of the Northwest Poets’ Concord, Mason also wrote the popular novel “The Lighthouse Ghost of Yaquina Bay,” nominated for the Oregon Book Award; and two volumes of poetry containing prize-winning poems, “Lost and Found” and “Poems Along the Way.”
Earlier this year, Lincoln City’s Driftwood Public Library named her an Oregon Legacy Author.
Saturday’s event begins at noon, with the live readings and book signings at 1 pm and the remote drop-in at 2 pm. The Seatowne Mall is located at 1682 N Hwy. 101 in Newport. For more information, go to sterncastlepublishing.org or call 541-264-8046.