Thomas Cahill & CalShakes at Rakestraw Books April 1, 2008

Thomas Cahill, one of the most widely-read and critically acclaimed historians, is back with the fifth volume in his mega-bestselling "Hinges of History" series and begins his exploration of the modern western world (volumes 1-4 having dealt with the ancients) in an era that never fails to fascinate: the Middle Ages.

Knights and castles. Lords and ladies. Vassals and bishops. All anyone has to do is peruse the local book or toy store, attend one of the many medieval festivals that take place each year throughout the United States, visit Disneyland, or even just check out all of the princesses and Friar Tucks at Halloween to see that Europe in the high Middle Ages (1100 – 1347 A.D.) looms large in our collective imagination. But why is this time period so endlessly enthralling to us? Is our understanding of it historically correct? Who are the most significant figures and what are the most enduring legacies of the Middle Ages -- and what do they mean for Western society and the world at large today?

Historian Thomas Cahill answers these questions and more in Mysteries of the Middle Ages, the fifth volume in his "Hinges of History" series. The series, which began with How the Irish Saved Civilization, retells the history of the Western world as the story of the great gift-givers. So often history is seen through the lens of catastrophe and war, a valid enough view. But equally important is the view that Thomas Cahill so ably illuminates: history as a narrative of grace. In his inimitable books, Cahill brings to life the little-known stories of individuals who, in giving the world gifts such as individuality, orientation to the future, reason, art, mercy, and courage, had pivotal impacts on history and contributed immensely to Western culture and the evolution of Western sensibility. As Lady Antonia Frasier has remarked, “Once you read a Thomas Cahill book, you’ll never look at the world in quite the same way again.”

We are excited to be working with the California Shakespeare Theater to present this magical evening. Two actors - Ron Campbell and Nancy Carlin - from Cal Shakes will be presenting a scene from Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband, one of the upcoming season's plays. Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone will be here to talk a bit about the upcoming season and the work that Cal Shakes does in the community. If you've never had a chance to hear Jonathan speak, you're in for a treat; he is so articulate and so passionate about the theater and its mission. We will be raffling off tickets for one of the plays. Additionally, since it's a party, we will be serving wine and hors d'ouevres starting at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $15 -- proceeds will benefit the Cal Shakes School Residencies. Through the School Residencies program, Cal Shakes brings Teaching Artists into the schools to teach with the aim of developing students' creative and academic minds and voices.

We are so excited about this wonderful evening -- a great writer, a wonderful book, a classic play, and one of the best cultural arts organizations in the Bay Area. Please plan on joining us on Tuesday, 1 April 2008 at 6:00 PM. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at (925) 837-7337.

Official Website: http://www.rakestrawbooks.com