A Free Public Talk at the Jaffrey Civic Center

David R. Godine, a renowned independent publisher with a legacy spanning over five decades, will share stories from his publishing career at the Jaffrey Civic Center’s “Stories to Share” event on May 2nd at 5 pm. The event is free and open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for book lovers to engage with a publishing industry icon. Godine will focus on his personal experiences with some of northern New England’s most-celebrated authors, including poet Donald Hall, essayist Noel Perrin, and novelist Howard Frank Mosher. The presentation will be accompanied by a slideshow of book covers, letterpress, illustrations, and art, giving attendees a glimpse into the world of publishing. Some of the books that will be featured in Godine’s talk include:

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1. “The Hand of the Small Town Builder” by W. Tad Peffer
2. “The Grand Resort Hotels of the White Mountains: A Vanishing Architectural Legacy” by Bryant Franklin Tolles
3. “Monadnock Summer: the Architectural Legacy of Dublin, NH” by William Morgan
4. “Suspended Worlds: Theater Curtains in Northern New England” by Christine Hadsel
5. “Absolutely Wild” illustrated by Kim Webster Cunningham and Dennis Webster

These books showcase Godine’s passion for publishing and his dedication to promoting local authors and illustrators. The presentation will be a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insight into the world of publishing and the importance of preserving the region’s literary heritage.

The Evolution of Publishing

Godine has long been considered one of the most-important independent publishers in America. He founded David R. Godine Publishing as a letterpress printer in 1970 and has since published hundreds of authors and illustrators, including two Nobel Prize winners. The company has played a significant role in promoting northern New England’s literary scene. In recent years, the publishing industry has undergone significant changes due to the onset of digital publishing and the internet. Godine notes that the quality of on-demand book publishing has improved, making it easier for authors to self-publish. However, he also believes that the line between trade books and self-published works is becoming increasingly blurred.

A Conversation with Godine

Godine was asked about his experiences with some of his favorite authors, including Mosher and poet Donald Hall. He shared stories about how he discovered their work and the impact they had on his publishing career. “Mosher was a great guy. We published ‘Disapperances,’ which was probably his best book,” Godine said. “We also did the Richard Brown photography book, ‘Life in the Kingdom,’ which is photographs of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.”

Godine also spoke about his favorite illustrator, Kim Webster Cunningham, who illustrated books with her father, Dennis Webster. He discovered their art at an exhibit in Peterborough and was impressed by their unique style. Godine said. “After a while, you just stop pretending that you know, because you never know.”

Godine also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the publishing industry. He believes that AI will bring about significant changes, including the possibility of books being published from authors who died years ago. “I think you will see books coming out from authors who died years ago suddenly appear out of nowhere,” Godine said. “I never would have foreseen that four years ago when I left the industry.”

A Personal Reflection

In 2021, Godine published “Godine at Fifty: A Retrospective of Five Decades in the Life of an Independent Publisher.” The book looks back on his five-decade journey in the publishing industry and reflects on the experiences he has had. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I feel blessed to have been able to play a part in preserving the region’s literary heritage. I’m excited to share my story with the community and to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the publishing industry today.

Key Takeaways

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• Godine’s talk will feature stories from his personal experiences with some of northern New England’s most-celebrated authors.
• The presentation will be accompanied by a slideshow of book covers, letterpress, illustrations, and art.
• The publishing industry has undergone significant changes in recent years due to digital publishing and the internet.
• Godine believes that AI will bring about significant changes, including the possibility of books being published from authors who died years ago.

By attending the “Stories to Share” event, book lovers can gain insight into the world of publishing and the importance of preserving the region’s literary heritage. The event is a unique opportunity to hear from a publishing industry icon and to engage with the local literary community.