Book Signing
Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius
Every author is led to write a book by the inspiration of an idea. For Michael Mellor, author of Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius, the catalyst for writing the biography of a man who has moved countless authors came in the form of letters written by Braille himself.
In 1998, Mellor, editor emeritus of the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, and an academic with a background in history, toured l’Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles (The Institute of Young Blind) in France. There he saw a collection of letters written by the Institute’s most famous alumnus, Louis Braille. Mellor has written about the effect the letters had on him:
“Braille’s own voice, so to speak, could at last be heard, rather than others writing about him. Instantly I resolved to obtain permission to have the letters translated into English and published.”
Initially envisioning the publication of a small pamphlet, a fateful conversation Mellor had with his friend, Diane Croft, changed his plans. Croft, who is Vice President for Publishing at the National Braille Press in Boston, enthusiastically offered to publish the translated letters, and from there the project grew into a full biography.
We agreed to have Mr. Mellor discuss his book and then sign copies at the University Presbyterian Church in Seattle on April 5, 2008. Shortly before the scheduled date, he was forced to cancel his appearance for health reasons. Fortunately, Diane Croft immediately offered to take his place.
She spoke to a good-sized audience of approximately 55 people on the first Saturday of last April, bringing with her a series of slides showing images of places and objects associated with the life of Louis Braille. Diane spoke knowledgably and with obvious admiration as she showed us photographs of Braille’s modest home in Coupvray, where he was born, and of his workplace at l’Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles, where he perfected his famous system of raised dot writing while still in his teens.
A number of blind people were in the audience, guide dogs patiently resting at their feet. Also attending were a few deaf people accompanied by someone who signed Diane’s commentary for them.
After the presentation, Ms. Croft offered both braille and conventional print copies of Mr. Mellor’s book. Sales were brisk, and everyone who wanted a copy signed by the author was subsequently sent one via the mail after paying for the book.
Attendees milling around the book table said they enjoyed the talk and slides. The Louis Braille School plans to schedule other events of a similar kind in the future.
Our thanks go out to Michael Mellor (whose health is good now), Diane Croft, the members of the University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, and the Delta Gamma sorority sisters at the University of Washington, whose volunteer help in setting up the presentation and disassembling it was so very helpful. They were happy to learn that Diane Croft became a Delta Gamma in her college days, and joined her for a photograph at the event’s conclusion.
