Berkshire WordFest at the Mount
First Annual Event in Lenox
By: Astrid Hiemer - Jul 31, 2010
A WordFest indeed ! We were invited to the Edith Wharton’s Estate & Gardens, in Lenox, Massachusetts, short ‘The Mount,’ to participate in panel discussions and presentations of approximately 30 writers and poets, who presented their books and ideas at a conference, July 23 to 25. Estimated 600 visitors, lovers of books, writers, and supporters came to The Mount to spend the weekend or chose parts of the program. Susan Wissler, the current Executive Director, Audrey Manring the director of the conference, and their staff and volunteers put their very best foot forward. The event came together beautifully! We know from experience, how much work, sweat and tears go into such an effort. In conversation with participants we learned that along the East Coast or New England States, nothing similar exists. The Mount is the perfect setting for a yearly conference, and WordFest 2010 set a great precedence.
The first panel discussion we attended was called “Channeling Edith Wharton: Old Money, New Money.” The British moderator, Simon Winchester, discussed the differences of ‘old’ in Great Britain versus ‘old’ in the US. Some unknown and familiar differences of Old World versus New World emerged. Other writers on the panel, Ted Friend, Katy Lederer and Martha McPheeh, spoke about the generational rise and decline of fortunes in a serious and tongue-in-cheek manner. All have written about the subject of money. A most interesting point emerged, when it was pointed out that makers of the newest fortunes are attempting to buy political power in the US for themselves now. Previous generations would apply their wealth to their children’s political careers, like the Kennedy or the Rockefeller families. – And, is that a good thing?
“Writers in Wartime:” Edith Wharton traveled to the front lines and battlefields during WWI six times and wrote and reported about those harrowing experiences. During and after WWI she also spent years in France, caring for war orphans and the displaced population. The Mount is currently documenting those years with an exhibition at the Main House.
Authors of the wartime panel were: Tatjana Soli, who published the novel: “The Lotus Eaters,” set during the war in Vietnam. Elizabeth Samet’s work includes “Soldier’s Heart” and “Willing Obedience: Citizens, Soldiers, and the Progress of Consent in America , 1776-1898.” She has been a professor of English Literature at West Point since 1996. The first class at West Point which included women dates back thirty years, and as Samet pointed out, it was a time of great suffering for woman at West Point. John Hockenberry has been writing and reporting about wars or conflicts for thirty years. His book, “Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs and Declarations of Independence,” describes also how he manages his work from a wheelchair. The moderator, Frank Delaney, reported for the BBC in the 1970s from the Northern Ireland conflict.
Ethics, projects and process of war writing were discussed in this 90 minute panel. Ultimately, for a reader and citizen: Only a wide range of information gleaned from many sources, positions and sides will give an informed picture in times of war.
The panel, “Channeling Wharton: Well-Behaved Women,” of course discussed ill-behaved or, in today’s language, controversial women writers. Katie Roiphe, Judith Thurman and Laura Miller were like many of the conference presenters, oh so well read on the subject ! We attempted to write as fast as the names were flying. Katie Roiphe, who teaches at New York University authored: “Uncommon Arrangements,” and “The Morning After: Sex, Fear and Feminism.” Judith Thurman wrote “Secrets of the Flesh: A Life of Colette,” the ultimate ill-behaved woman of early 20th Century Paris. Laura Miller, the moderator, co-founded Salon.com.
We much enjoyed hearing and seeing Susan Orlean, who was interviewed by Susan Arbetter at the Glen, which was just a big tent, open and airy. We were seated with a glorious view of the gardens, where plants were in full bloom. Orlean knows how to hold a listener’s attention and spoke easily about her way of working and how she finds a new subject matter: Serendipity ! She has been a staff writer at the New Yorker since 1992. Of course, her book, “The Orchid Thief,” was discussed. The film “Adaptation” is based on the book with Meryl Streep as Susan Orlean. She is currently working on a book about Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepard, who was found on a battle field in WWI and he (and a series of Rin Tin Tin’s) became a Hollywood star.
We heard humorist Roy Blount, Jr. and Joe Donahue talk about language and writing. We listened to several Berkshire poets during breaks at the Terrace Café. There were “Books for Breakfast,” perhaps at 8:30 AM a bit too early digestion for most attendees, and, there were other sessions, which we could not attend.
Successful book signings were scheduled after each presentation and authors were available and open to conversations in this easy going atmosphere. All seemed very approachable and willing to speak to any one at the conference. It may have been Garrison Keillor, the honored winner of The Mount’s 2010 Henry James Award and guest speaker at the fundraising dinner, or Deborah Bernhardt, who published her first poetry collection, "Echololia" in 2006. The winner of The Mount’s 2010 Edith Wharton Achievement Award is Francine Prose, the author of fifteen books.
A walk from the Stables, where the panel discussions took place, to the Main House took only fifteen minutes through beautifully kept woods. Golf carts, borrowed for the occasion, shortened the time for those who chose to hop on and have a chat with the driver or a participant. Other fest-activities centered at the house or near by. There is a magical view from the terrace to the walled garden, lime walk, and flower garden. The Mount’s rooms are open to all visitors. One can wander or sit on the furniture; they are not original, just period pieces. Indeed, the Main House may feel comfortable to any visitor. As mentioned before, the second floor is reserved for exhibitions and a movie or video screening room.
Edith Wharton built The Mount in 1902, resided there only for 9 years, before she departed for Europe to live in France. During those years she published “The House of Mirth,” in 1905. They were important years and she called The Mount her first real home, where she was happy. What good fortune for the gate keepers and visitors of today. In the summer’s glow, we are offered fine programming and the place is magnificent !
Therefore, August’s schedule contains a lecture series; a sculpture exhibition by Xavier Veilhan from Paris, France; theatre performances of the Wharton Play: “Summer;” Friday and Saturday evening Jazz at the Café, and much more to take in.
WordFest 2010 gave The Mount a new and special meaning and perhaps all who participated new inspiration.