NEW ORLEANS (April 22, 2013) — Fans of Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Rick Atkinson will have the exclusive opportunity to pre-purchase the renowned author’s new book The Guns at Last Light. The National WWII Museum hosts his official book pre-release event, presented in partnership with 89.9 WWNO-FM, on the 68th anniversary of V-E Day, Wednesday, May 8, 2013.
The long-awaited third book in Atkinson’s “Liberation Trilogy” will not be available to the general public until May 14. Atkinson will also give a presentation as part of the evening followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.
The Guns at Last Light, published by Henry Holt and Company, recounts the final year of the European war, from Normandy and the invasion of southern France, through the liberation of Paris, the race to the German border, the battles of Hurtgen Forest and the Bulge and the other monumental struggles leading to the Third Reich’s surrender on May 8, 1945. The book completes Atkinson’s acclaimed “Liberation Trilogy” which tells the story of the American military’s role in the liberation of Europe during WWII. The first volume of the trilogy, An Army at Dawn, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for history, tells of the struggles in North Africa that began the liberation of Europe, while the second volume, The Day of Battle, picks up with the invasion of Sicily and the campaign for Italy.
“Rick Atkinson’s ‘Liberation Trilogy’ is the definitive chronicle of the American role in the war that unshackled a continent and preserved freedom in the West,” said Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, The National WWII Museum’s president and chief executive officer. “We are honored to host him for this pre-release event and are thrilled to give our guests an exclusive opportunity to purchase his new book before its release to the public.”
In addition to his “Liberation Trilogy,” Atkinson has authored In the Company of Soldiers and Crusade. His many other awards include a Pulitzer for journalism, the George Polk Award and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award. A former staff writer and editor at The Washington Post, Atkinson resides in Washington, DC.
A 5:00 pm reception will precede a 6:00 pm presentation, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing in the Museum’s new US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.
The Guns at Last Light goes on sale May 14. In addition, An Army at Dawn and The Day of Battle will also be available for purchase and autograph by Mr. Atkinson.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Guests can register at the Museum’s website www.nationalww2museum.org or by calling 1-877-813-3229 x 412 or emailing conferences@nationalww2museum.org.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.