69传媒

In 1854, British travel writer Isabella Lucy Bird visited Prince Edward Island for six weeks and published an account of her stay that was both scathing and charming. Paris may be the gayest city in the world, she wrote, and London the richest, but Charlottetown was 鈥渢he most gossiping.鈥�

鈥淚 never saw a community,鈥� she continued,鈥� in which people appear to hate each other so cordially.鈥�

Contemporary Island poet Jane Ledwell was both fascinated and exasperated by Bird鈥檚 haughty, privileged judgement and decided to 鈥渨rite back鈥濃��160 years later. The result is Bird Calls, the latest title published by Island Studies Press at UPEI.

Bird Calls weaves the travel prose of Isabella Lucy Bird with Ledwell鈥檚 poems written in response, and delivers an intriguing conversation for the reader, which contrasts PEI then and now, and showcases the talents of two accomplished writers, from very different generations.

Bird Calls is being launched Wednesday evening, December 14 at Upstreet Craft Brewery on Allen St., Charlottetown, at 7 pm.

The book will also be available in local bookstores and the 69传媒bookstore. For more information contact Joan Sinclair at Island Studies Press: ispstaff@upei.ca.

The 69传媒 prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥�69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.