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February 23, 2009
Armenian Translation of Levon Surmelian's "Techniques of Fiction Writing" Published in Yereva
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The panel of presenters at the book launch for the Armenian translation of Levon Surmelian's "Techniques of Fiction Writing" in Yerevan, Armenia. -
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A view of the audience at the Surmelian book event at AUA's Business Center on February 17, 2009.
Watch a Video Report of the Levon Surmelian book presentation HERE (2:43)
The Armenian translation of the late Levon-Zaven Surmelian's "Techniques of Fiction Writing: Measure and Madness" was launched at a special event at the American University of Armenia's Business Center on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, which was organized by AGBU and the M. Abeghian Institute of Literature of the RA National Academy of Sciences. This book by the well-known Armenian-American writer, poet and educator is a useful guide for young aspiring writers and literary critics. In addition to "Techniques of Fiction Writing," which was first released in English in 1968, Surmelian is best remembered today for his "I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen" (1945), a best-selling memoir documenting his escape from the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide.
Translated into Armenian by Aram Arsenian, "Techniques of Fiction Writing" was funded by the AGBU Levon Zaven Surmelian Fund and published by the Abeghian Institute of Literature as part of their 'Literary Studies XX century' series.
Deputy Director of AGBU Armenian Representation Hovig Eordekian was the master of ceremonies for the event. He, in turn, invited AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian to make opening remarks, which dealt with an overview of AGBU's publishing activities and focused on the publication of works by Armenian writers who create in foreign languages. Azat Yeghiazarian, literary critic and editor of the Armenian translation of "Techniques of Fiction Writing," delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the "Literary Studies XX Century" series as a valuable resource to writers and the public of Armenia. On this occasion, singer Knarik Abrahamian performed songs by Komitas for the audience in attendance.
Among those who spoke at the event were literary critic and director of "Spyurk" scientific-educational center Suren Danielian, translator Aram Arsenian, painter Hagop Hagopian and Surmelian's nephew Sargis Sargsyan. The latter proudly spoke about the book, which is still used as a textbook in a number of U.S. universities, and also touched upon the relationship between Surmelian and Vahan Tekeyan, which includes a correspondence that is in the nephew's private collection. A closing speech was made by Levon Ananian, Chairman of the RA Writers' Union, who commended the quality of translation.
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