Which writers have inspired and
influenced leaders from around the world? Which literary works from
around the world have inspired American
writers? Which books would help global leaders better understand
American culture? The American Writers Museum explores these topics in
its first online exhibit: Power of the Word: Leaders, Readers
& Writers, which just opened at www.poweroftheword.americanwritersmuseum.org and provides a
fascinating glimpse into the reading habits and literary preferences of
some of the world's most powerful leaders.
Visitors to the online exhibit will learn about the
favorite books and reading habits of political leaders such as Angela
Merkel, Nelson Mandela, Dilma Rousseff, Yoshihiko Noda, David Cameron,
Wen Jiabao, Barack Obama, among others.
In a separate online gallery, contemporary American
writers share their early memories of reading and comment on which
authors from other countries have influenced their own writing. They
also suggest books by American authors that they think might help world
leaders gain a better understanding of American culture.
A third, interactive gallery invites the public to become
part of the exhibit by recommending two or three books--fiction,
nonfiction, drama, or poetry--they think world leaders should
read.
The mission of the American Writers Museum Foundation
is to establish the first national museum in the United States
dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers and
exploring their influence on our history, our identity, our culture and
our daily lives.
Museum website: www.americanwritersmuseum.org
Exhibit website: poweroftheword.americanwritersmuseum.org
