University of Texas Austin - Cactus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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New book by James A. Michener to explore history, culture of state as Texas begins to celebrate Sesquicentennial 6yTOMTRAHAN Michener was designated by the UT System Board of Regents as the Jack G. Taylor Professor Emeritus. He came to Austin in October 1982 to work on a major novel about Texas, and had been using the Barker Texas History Center at the University which is the nation ' s major research col- lection of Texana as well as graduate research assistants. Michener ' s book was due for publication in 1986, the Texas celebration of its Sesquicentennial. Concerning his intention to work permanently with the University, Michener said, For the past two years I have Carefully inspecting illustrations, Shaw, Michener and Kings select art for Michener ' s latest novel, Texas. Photos by Sandy Wilson With the Texas Capitol on the horizon behind him, America ' s most wide- ly read novelist, James Michener, surveys the Austin skyline. Photo by Sand Wilson enjoyed a fine relationship with the University here in Austin, and now accept most warmly the opportunity to continue and expand the association. The University and the State of Texas provide a stimulating pla ce to work, and I look forward eagerly to the challenging days ahead. Yet the challenge and stimulation seem to emanate more from Michener than the UT atmosphere. Since coming to Austin, Michener raised the awareness around campus about topics as diverse as writing, the Sesquicentennial and the im- portance of taking in one ' s surroundings. He accomplished this awareness by free appearances on campus and statements in the extensive media coverage he attracted. Other novels by James Michener have catalogued the histories of several U.S. regions in a documentary fictional form that brought the histories of those geographic areas to life. Photo by Joseph Jaworski Opening 15

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Author plans Texas In a year when the University stunned the academic world with endowments in science, engineering and business, it also scored an academic coup in another area creative writing. UT president Peter Flawn announced Oct. 12 that James Michener, America ' s best-read and most influential novelist, had established a permanent affiliation with the University, and Michener was expected to play a major role in the professional program in creative writing the University was developing. Michener ' s contribution was a possible creative writing With great anticipation, John Kings, assistant to Mr. Michener, James A. Michener, novelist and UT professor emeritus, George Lenox, associate director of the UT Press, Charles Shaw, illustrator, and John H. Kyle, direc- tor of the UT Press, review Shaw ' s work-in-progress for the UT Press il- lustrated edition of Michener ' s Texas. Photo by Sandy Wilson. Photos c 1985 by the University of Texas Press center, which would serve as a practical professional program,! said Romeo Hinojosa-Smith, professor of English and| member of the planning group for the center. Referring to Michener, he said, He will have a central role in the center - which is both important and desirable because of the prestige he ' ll bring to it. He will give the program his full participation. Hinojosa-Smith said the center would involve an inter- disciplinary program, bringing in RTF department lecturers addressing screen and scriptwriting as well as traditional] English lecturers, for example. It would also provide pro- grams in the production side of writing. The program would sponsor workshops and speakers on editing, agents, and other problems writers encountered. With the name of Michener and the full support of the University and the regents, this program promises to be a bright spot in the University ' s future, Hinojosa-Smith said.

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