ARKADELPHIA — Dr. John Crawford, professor emeritus of Henderson State University, will begin a free series of Shakespeare discussions on April 13 at the Garland County Library, Hot Springs (Malvern Avenue near Indian Dale Shopping Center) from 2-3:30 p.m. The first discussion will be Background to Shakespeare: the person and his writing. The April discussion will precede discussions the second Monday of May, June, and July, when various plays will be discussed. The only fee will be the purchase of a text for $10.
Dr. Crawford taught Shakespeare for 35 years at Clinton College, Iowa and later at Henderson State University. He has three books on Shakespeare’s plays and actors or Shakespeare in the HSU and Ouachita libraries, as well as libraries in the state and nation. His articles on Shakespeare have appeared in numerous journals and he has delivered papers on Shakespeare’s works at numerous academic meetings in the state, region, and at national literary meetings in the past. After retirement at HSU, he taught Shakespeare and poetry at the free Shepherd’s Center in Hot Springs until its closing.
Dr. Crawford has earned degrees from Ouachita Baptist University, Drake University (Iowa) and the Oklahoma State University. He was recently recognized by the Cambridge Biographical Center of England for his life work in Shakespeare by inclusion in the 9th edition of “2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century”.
He welcomes all interested parties to participate in the monthly discussions. He can be reached at 501-802-0315 for any questions.
