Historical novels tell interesting stories about a time and its people, requiring extensive research so the writing reflects history accurately. Using James by Percival Everett as the launching point, this class will offer a one-hour look at the history and culture of the Mississippi River in the 1800s, including its role in America’s slave trade and the Civil War. In the second hour, we will continue with a discussion of the novel as contemporary literature. Readers and history buffs welcome! Participants should read James by Percival Everett before class.

Moderators: Stan and Diane Henderson are avid readers—Stan reads history, Diane fiction. In other lives, they would have been history and English professors. Now they team up to share their passions with us. Pre-retirement, Stan was Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the Univ. of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane an educational program planner/consultant. Both are failing retirement!