Robert B. Parker: Reinventing the Detective

This exhibition, drawn from the collection of recent collectee Robert B. Parker, begins with excerpts from his very first piece of fiction, THE GODWULF MANUSCRIPT (1973), in which the reading world was introduced to the tough talking Boston detective, Spenser. The success of the first book lead Parker to abandon his teaching career and begin his life as a writing juggernaut that continues through today: the exhibition concludes with Mr. Parker's most recent novel, HIGH PROFILE (February 2007). The exhibition includes various typewritten drafts, heavy with hand corrections from a number of Mr. Parker's novels. There is also correspondence from Mr. Parker to actor Avery Brooks, "Hawk" from the popular Spenser, For Hire television show, bemoaning the speed necessary to create the program while shortchanging the actor a proper process to create a full-blown character. There is also amusing correspondence from fellow writer, Stephen King. Mr. Parker's relationship with the detective writers before him is particularly addressed in his work on Poodle Springs, a novel begun by Raymond Chandler and completed by Parker at the request of the Chandler estate.

ROBERT B. PARKER: Reinventing the Detective is on view on the first floor of Mugar Memorial Library during regular library hours.
March 28 - April 30, 2007.