2006 Press Releases
Benjamin Franklin's Birthday and Opening of a Book on Franklin to be Celebrated at Children Literature Center
Riga, February 2, 2006. -- This January 17, the US celebrated 300th birthday of the outstanding scientist, inventor, writer, newspaper publisher, Mayor of Philadelphia, first American diplomat and signatory of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States Benjamin Franklin. Without inherited wealth or social position, the 10th son of a Boston candle and soap maker rose to become one of the most intriguing men of the 18th century.
US Embassy to Latvia and "Pētergailis" publishers will have a celebration of Benjamin Franklin's 300th birthday and opening of a book for children "Franklin's Hat" by a Latvian writer Juris Zvirgzdins February 3, at the Children Literature Center of the National Library of Latvia. Raymond Stephens, assistant public affairs officer of the US Embassy to Latvia and the author of the book Juris Zvirgzdiņš will be among the guests.
In 1776, at age 70, Franklin arrived in Paris on a diplomatic mission, dressed in a fur hat and a plain brown suit, and his simple but dignified image stood in stark contrast to the ornate royal court and aristocracy. Quite soon he found himself the object of a personality cult. His portrait soon appeared on French medallions, rings, watches and snuffboxes, and fashionable ladies adopted the coiffure a la Franklin to imitate his fur cap. A compilation of his sayings in Poor Richard's Almanac, translated into French, became popular in Europe, and "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today" sounds like folklore today. For more reading about this outstanding American go to http://usinfo.state.gov/scv/Archive/2006/Jan/06-875137.html.
No wonder, the life story of this very special man inspired the Latvian writer Juris Zvirgzdins to write a riveting story for children of how Benjamin Franklin invented the lightening rod, went to Paris to look for the allies in America’s independence war against England, and his role in signing the Declaration of Independence.
The impetus for the book "Franklin's Hat" came during the writer's stay in Luxembourg when he was watching squirrels running across the road, a sight that made him think of other fur animals, including raccoons. This reminded of an American engraving showing Benjamin Franklin wearing a fur cap. But why it should be a cap made of raccoon fur? No, let the raccoon stay alive! Benjamin Franklin's cap will be a living raccoon! Then - research. Juris Zvirgzdins re-read Franklin's biography to find appropriate setting for the raccoon. And now the reader will find out where the raccoon played his role in American history.
Sunday, August 14: it took five hours for Zvirgzdins to write "Franklin’s Hat" – his vision of America's history for the children's audience (7-10 years old).
Ojārs Kalniņš, director of Latvian Institute, has translated the story into English.
The book was published by "Pētergailis", pictures by Evija Stukle – Zuitiņa.
Media reporters that would like to participate in the celebration at the Children Literature Center of the National Library of Latvia, Tērbatas iela 75, at 14:00, are welcome to call Lauma Brūvele, program assistant with the Public Affairs Section, at: 7509026 or 8341728.