Lerner Explains ‘Why History Matters’ in Series of Talks

Gerda Lerner, one of the founders of women’s studies scholarship, will sum up her life and work in a series of discussions in Madison, marking publication of her new book.

Lerner is the Robinson-Edwards Professor of Women’s History emerita at UW–Madison, where she established one of the country’s first doctoral programs in women’s history. Her new book, Why History Matters: Life and Thought (Oxford University Press), summarizes her research and thinking of the past decade. Lerner combines personal reminiscences with innovative theory to illuminate the importance of history and the vital role women have played in it. She says the book contains some of the most significant writing on history of her entire career — a summation of her life and work.

In her first talk April 3, Lerner examined the possibility of “Re-Thinking Class.” That lecture is being followed up with two book talks: April 29 at 7 p.m. at Borders Book Shop, 3416 University Ave., and May 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Canterbury Booksellers, 315 W. Gorham. All talks are free and open to the public.

For additional information, contact Alisa Wyatt, (212) 726-6106.