Archive for July, 2009
Uncle Remus Cannot Die — New York Times Obituary of Joel Chandler Harris
Joel Chandler Harris passed away 101 years ago today. He was 62, give or take.
Here’s what the New York Times Book Review had to say –
“Uncle Remus cannot die. Joel Chandler Harris has departed this life at the age of 60, after nearly forty years of toil (for he went to work at a handpress in his boyhood), but his best creation, the old plantation darky with his fund of folk-lore, will live in literature. Mr. Harris wrote many other books besides those containing the tales told to a nameless small boy by Uncle Remus, but though they have merit, a true literary charm, and are full of humor, wise observation, and gentle sympathy, not one of them will live with Uncle Remus. Mr. Billy Sanders of Shady Dale will pass away and be forgotten. He belongs only to his own hour, while Uncle Remus is for all time.”
That’s just the first paragraph. Here’s the rest (.pdf).
Related: Harris graced the cover of the Atlanta Constitution on July 4th, 1908. The words on Harris’ gravestone at the bottom of the post are also well worth your time.
Categories: Joel Chandler Harris, Uncle Remus | Tags: Joel Chandler Harris, Uncle Remus,
July 6th Deadline for Wren’s Nest Publishing Co. Submissions
Calling all teenagers! Or, most likely, calling all parents, family friends, and teachers of teenagers!
The Wren’s Nest Publishing Co.’s newest literary journal, recently christened Wayfarer’s Diary will be accepting fiction, non-fiction, artwork, essays, poetry and anything else you can think of through July 6th.
Here are some darned convincing reasons the high school student in your life should submit:
- The journal will be showcased at the Decatur Book Festival with an audience of 80,000.
- This is the only publication created by and for the festival. Pretty neat.
- Every decision regarding the journal — from what gets published to the order of the pieces to its marketing approach — is decided by our team of editors, all of whom are Atlanta-area high school students.
- Um, so they can say they’re published on their college applications, derr.
The submission cover sheet can be found here, and all submissions should be sent to wrensnestsubmissions@gmail.com. Easy.
Plus, I’m pretty sure it’s a proven fact that the best pieces of literary work in history have been born out of BBQ and fireworks. Look it up, geniuses.
Spread the word, please!
EDIT: Eagle-eye reader Jessica pointed out that I missed an “s” in the gmail address above. Whoops! It’s all correct now.
Categories: Wren's Nest Publishing Co. | Tags: Wren's Nest Publishing Company,
An Article on The Wren’s Nest Won An Award — It’s About Damn Time
Did you know that Rachael Maddux won the Magazine Association of the Southeast’s 2009 Silver GAMMA award for Best Feature with her article on The Wren’s Nest?
Neither did we. Read the article — Dummies in the Attic — to relive the magic, Paste Magazine July ’08 style. I’m not going to say a great writer is nothing without a great subject, but I sure am going to plant the notion.
Rachael’s (undoubtedly impressive) certificate of achievement was not highlighted during our recent tour, for reasons I do not understand. Rachael and her modesty are the worst. I mean, best! (I mean worst.)
Categories: Joel Chandler Harris, Paste Magazine, Uncle Remus, Victorious! | Tags: Joel Chandler Harris, Paste Magazine, Rachael Magazine, Song of the South, Uncle Remus,