Acclaimed author John Barry, best known for his insights on public health and social and political conflicts, will speak tonight in the Rose Theatre.
Barry has authored five books, including "The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History" and "Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America," both of which will be topics of Thursday's discussion.
"Barry was selected to speak because of the timeliness of his topics," said Teresa Dalle, member of the Marcus Orr Faculty Senate. "There are many parallels between the Bird Flu and (the politics) surrounding Hurricane Katrina."
Barry's work has garnered him several awards including the 2005 Keck Award from the National Academies of Science and the Southern Book Award. After Hurricane Katrina, Barry was asked to chair a bipartisan group on flood control. He has also been invited to join the federal government's Infections Disease Board of Experts.
"Historians look at things too narrowly. Barry looks at things socially and politically," Dalle said. "He notices how those things change the social structure."
Barry has written for The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek and Esquire. Among other honors, The Times has also declared his first book, "The Ambition and the Power: A True Story of Washington," as one of the 10 best books ever written on Washington and Congress.
"So many great people have spoken (at The University of Memphis). It's very flattering to come and speak here," Barry said.
Dalle said a mixed crowd is expected, which Barry has prepared himself for.
"I've written a very nice speech, I hope...but there is so much interest in current events that I'll probably just open the floor to questions and answers," he said.
April Beavers hopes he will discuss the potential of a bird flu pandemic, something Barry said is inevitable.
"The idea of something like this happening so suddenly freaks me out," she said. "I'm really interested in what he'll have to say."
Following a reception in the lobby at 5 p.m. hosted by U of M President Shirley Raines, the discussion will begin at 7. Copies of both books will be available there, as well as in The University Bookstore.
"I've read his books, and they cover not only the history, but also the decisions that are made or not made for the right reasons," Dalle said. "Experts have their opinions, but they're not always right, and he addresses that in his books."
