Get Lit September Book Club: Erik Larson with musical guests Sons of Town Hall

Join WNYC's Alison Stewart and Erik Larson for a live conversation about his newest book, The Demon of Unrest, followed by a special musical performance from Sons of Town Hall.

The New York Public Library and WNYC—two indispensable New York institutions—are partnering to host a book club that brings New Yorkers together and fosters community.

The September title is Erik Larson's The Demon of Unrest, a story about a divided nation during the pivotal five months between Abraham Lincoln’s election in November 1860 and the bombardment of Fort Sumter the following April—a dramatic period that put the United States on a path to self-destruction.

In the run-up to yet another momentous election, this story provides a window into our past that offers surprising insights into our present, helping us to understand how aggrievement and “passions” can spin into a kind of madness.

Throughout the month, All of It host Alison Stewart and the Library will accompany readers, providing touchpoints on-air and on social media at @allofitwnyc and @nypl. Borrow the book (and more than 300,000 others) for free through the Library’s e-reader app SimplyE, available for iOS and Android devices.

Join Stewart, the author, and readers everywhere for a live conversation, in-person or online, on Monday, September 30 at 6 PM. The conversation will be followed by a special musical performance from Sons of Town Hall.

To join in person | Please be sure to register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream | A livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register!

COVID PROTOCOLS FOR IN-PERSON PROGRAMS

The New York Public Library no longer mandates proof of vaccination at large-scale public events.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Livestream | Captions and a transcript will be provided. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

GET THE BOOK

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, soon available on iOS and Android

Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!

To see all of our previous WNYC Get Lit titles check out our book club page here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erik Larson is the author of six previous national bestsellers: The Splendid and the Vile, Dead Wake, In the Garden of Beasts, Thunderstruck, The Devil in the White City, and Isaac's Storm, which collectively have sold more than twelve million copies. His books have been published in nearly forty countries.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

The Sons of Town Hall are played by American songwriter and author David Berkeley and British songwriter and producer Ben Parker, both of whom have long musical careers in their own right. The pair dreamed up this wild imaginative concept in a London pub nearly a decade ago and have been thrilling audiences around the world ever since with their rare vocal blend and hilarious repartee. So their story goes, the two craft their songs while crossing the seas on a raft of their own making. That raft is more than just a mythic touring vessel and a creative springboard, it also allows them to retain their infectious hope and humor while transcending time and space. Dressed in threadbare Victorian outfits, their show is part concert, part performance art, and unlike anything you have ever seen.

CONNECT

Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event by emailing press@nypl.org or by using this Gmail template.

For all other questions and inquiries, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

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