July 1, 2009
William H. Pritchard, Henry Clay Folger Professor of English, was one of several distinguished scholars, writers and journalists invited recently to pay tribute to John Updike, who passed away on January 27, 2009 at the age of 76. The tribute took place at The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Professor Pritchard, who frequently reviewed Updike’s work and is author of Updike: America’s Man of Letters, was joined by authors Nicholson Baker, Samuel Shem (pen-name of Dr. Stephen Bergman) and Anne Bernays; editor and journalist Charles McGrath; and family members. Radio/internet host Christopher Lydon was Master of Ceremonies. The forum was recorded on June 7, 2009, and was presented in conjunction with PEN New England. View the tribute (Professor Pritchard’s address begins at 14.38).