Lilly Library to open new literary exhibit

Works offering a look at regions, worlds and realms that have captivated human curiosity throughout the ages will be on display when the Lilly Library opens its "Places of Imagination" exhibition Monday. \n"The exhibition was designed to appeal to children and adults," said Anthony Tedeschi, reference associate at the Lilly Library who is managing the display. Tedeschi said the exhibit pieces are organized into themed cases and visitors with a variety of interests -- from childhood fables to heavyweight philosophical theories -- are sure to find an enchanting piece. The exhibition, composed entirely of books, manuscripts and artifacts from the library's collection, includes works dating from the 15th century through present day. \nA Harry Potter popup book is part of a tribute to the well-loved series. Also displayed is the entire series of "The Wizard of Oz" books as well as a first edition of "Alice in Wonderland" that was originally banned from printing presses. \nLocal connections to myth are featured in the original handwritten manuscript and first edition book of "Raintree County", by Ross Lockridge. Although some speculate about the novel's similarities to Bloomington because the author was born here and then attended IU, the story about a Midwestern schoolteacher takes place in a mythological place. \nA handful of exhibit pieces examine the lost city of Atlantis. Plato's "Omnia divini Platonis opera", written in 1546, is the philosopher's account of the fabled city. Also on display is "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World." Ignatius Donnelly's 1882 portrayal is considered responsible for sparking modern interest in the city swallowed by the sea. \nSeveral cases are dedicated to grand expeditions and geographical theories. Marco Polo's travels will be displayed, as well as a map displaying the once-popular theory that the state of California was an island separated from the continental United States. \nA complementary exhibition, titled "Imaginary & Constructed Languages," showcases both scholarly and literary exploration of language.\nScience fiction fans will marvel at The Klingon Dictionary placed next to a version of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" -- translated into the Star Trek language. \n"The Lilly Library is an under appreciated resource," said Tedeschi. "It holds a vast collection of original documents." \nThat collection includes 400,000 books, 7 million manuscripts and 130,000 pieces of sheet music as well as artifacts and works of art. Many collection pieces are rare editions or first printings. \nTedeschi said the library's collection provides resources for strong, in-depth research. He said in the Lilly Library, you can turn the pages of an original document instead of reading another author's description. The latest exhibition is one more chance to take a personal look at legendary works. \nThe "Places of Imagination" exhibition will be open until September 2, 2006. Exhibit admission is free. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. More information about the Lilly Library may be found on its Web site, http://www.indiana.edu/~liblilly/index.html.