Distorted Mirrors:
Americans and Their Relations with Russia and China in the Twentieth Century
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: Noon–1:00 PM
Place: Conference Rooms,  FREE EVENT

Eugene Trani, former president of Virginia Commonwealth University, will discuss and sign his latest book with writing partner Donald E. Davis, Professor Emeritus of History at Illinois State University. Distorted Mirrors traces American prejudices toward the two countries in the title by focusing on the views of influential writers and politicians over the course of the 20th century. The authors show where American images of Russia and China originated, how they evolved, and how they have often helped sustain foreign policies generally negative toward the former and positive toward the latter. The book marks a fresh approach to U.S. relations with these countries, emphasizing long-term attitudes that influenced policies rather than the reverse. It shows us that perceptions shaped over the course of the 20th century are crucial for their bearing on the 21st century, particularly if those unrestrained prejudices reemerge.

Broken Jewel
Friday, November 13, 2009
Time: Noon–1:00 PM
Place: Conference Rooms,  FREE EVENT

David L. Robbins, the best-selling author of nine novels including War of the Rats, will discuss and sign his book Broken Jewel, a powerful story of war, love, and survival set against the backdrop of the Los Baños prison raid—one of the most daring episodes of World War II. Robbins is currently writer in residence at his alma mater, the College of William and Mary.