March 16, 2004

'Cities of Salt' On Menu for April's Literature for Lunch

Abdelrahman Munif’s “Cities of Salt” is the topic of the Literature for Lunch discussion series in April. Supported by the Boise State University English department, Literature for Lunch has grown in popularity and attendance. This year, to make room for growing enthusiasts, discussion will be from 12:10-1 p.m., Friday, April 2, in the Boise Public Library auditorium, 725 S. Capitol. Originally published in 1984 and subsequently banned in several Middle Eastern countries, ‘Cities of Salt’ relates what happens to the inhabitants of a small oasis community in the1930s when Americans discover oil there. Told through the eyes of a large and varied cast of Bedouin and American characters, this work addresses many of the political issues that have plagued Middle Eastern and American relations for much of this century. Munif was the author of numerous articles and several books, most notably his ‘Cities of Salt’ series, which includes “The Trench” (1993), and “Variations on Night and Day” (1994). Munif held a law degree and a Ph.D. in oil economics from the University of Belgrade. He worked as director of marketing in the crude oil industry and was former editor of the monthly periodical al-Naft wa al-Tanmiyya (Oil and Development). He died in his home Damascus in January 2004. -30- Contacts Carol Martin English department 208-426-1179 Jan Widmayer English department 2089-426-1233 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208-426-3275