King Collection Opening Tonight at TAMIU
The only original paper copy in the US of Spanish novelist Gabriel Miró’s La mujer de Ojeda is but one of the remarkable books that form the new King Collection at Texas A&M International University’s Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.
The 8000-plus book collection spanning the riches of Spanish literature will be celebrated with dedication ceremonies tonight from 6:30-7:30 on the third floor of the Killam Library.
The evening event opens the King Romance Seminar Room and serves to launch the Memorial Library Fund and Friends of the Library.
As individuals and life partners, Drs. Willard F. King and Edmund R. King were two of the nation's most respected Spanish literature scholars.
TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck, a former student and lifelong friend of the Kings, said the dedication is a source of enormous pride for TAMIU.
“From their home in Princeton and world classrooms here and abroad, the Kings educated and socialized an entire generation of young scholars, inspiring in them twin devotions to Spanish culture and to clear and beautiful language. We are so very honored to have their presence live on in this remarkable collection which will inspire new generations of scholars,” Dr. Keck said.
Dr. Willard F. King was Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Spanish at Bryn Mawr College.
Husband Dr. Edmund L. King, was Professor Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Romance Languages at Princeton University.
Dr. Willard King preceded her husband in death in 2005. Dr. Edmund King would later relocate to Laredo where he continued his translation of two pivotal Miró novels, working closely with TAMIU doctoral student Lola Norris until the time of his death at age 91 on Dec. 25, 2006.
The Collection offers a remarkable inventory of core Spanish and Spanish American Literature, much of which is no longer in print. Among the collection are volumes on Juán Ruiz de Alarcón, Gustavo Adolofo Bécquer, 19th century Spanish poet and essayist; Américo Castro, Spanish philologist and literary critic, and Miró.
For additional information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or click on tamiu.edu
For more information on the Collection, contact the Killam Library Special Collections Librarian at 326.2404.
You may also visit the Collection at library.tamiu.edu
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu