Rekindle the classics with us

Rekindle The Classics flyer fall 2019
Click to open a large version of the Rekindle The Classics flyer for fall 2019.

Rekindle the Classics is a monthly series of casual discussions about works of classic literature held by the English Department at Colorado State University and the Poudre River Public Library.

They are free, open to all, and no registration is required.

The gatherings take place at Wolverine Farm Letterpress & Publick House. The creative events venue houses publishing services and a letterpress print shop while serving food, beer and wine at 316 Willow St., Fort Collins.

“We wanted to have a regular, welcoming event that encourages people in the wider community to read ‘the classics,’ which we define very loosely,” said Lynn Shutters, Assistant Professor of English at Colorado State University.

Shutters organizes Rekindle the Classics along with Currie Meyer, Manager of the Council Tree branch of Poudre Libraries.

Wolverine Farm Letterpress and Publick House
Wolverine Farm Letterpress and Publick House

A convivial atmosphere

Each meeting hinges on a pre-selected book, which attendees read in advance. A CSU faculty member or graduate student typically leads the open discussion. Sessions home in on two-way conversation as opposed to formal lecture.

“You can get a beer or a glass of wine; it’s this very convivial, easy-going space,” Shutters said.

Events run Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Click titles in the bulleted list below to visit the event page for each installment of the 2019 series:

Reknidle the Classic's participants discuss Life of Pi
Rekindle the Classics participants discuss Life of Pi by Yann Martel

The list each year includes a range of modern and classic works widely acknowledged as “important literature,” Shutters said.

It opens up questions about what makes these works, which we consider to be great, great,” she said. “We discuss why a particular ‘classic’ was considered such an important work in its own time and place and how it connects to issues in the world today.”

“We’d love to have CSU faculty, grad students, and undergraduates come out for these events, as well as anybody in the Fort Collins community.” Shutters said. “Invite friends, neighbors or family members who might be interested.”

Contact Shutters with inquiries at lynn.shutters@colostate.edu.

Rekindle the Classics participants discuss a classic work of literature.
Rekindle the Classics participants discuss a classic work of literature.