Author Reading: Andrew Durbin's The Wonderful World That Almost Was

Schedule

Wed Oct 21 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

Harry Ransom Center | Austin, TX

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Join author Andrew Durbin for a reading and discussion of The Wonderful World That Almost Was: A Life of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek (2026).
About this Event

Durbin’s dual biography explores the intense, intertwined lives and art of the influential photographer Peter Hujar and sculptor Paul Thek, focusing on their complex relationship from the 1950s to the mid-1970s, their shared artistic circles (including Andy Warhol, Susan Sontag, and David Wojnarowicz), and their lasting impact on American art. Introduction by Dr. Christine Robinson, the Ransom Center’s Nancy Inman and Marlene Nathan Meyerson Curator of Photography. Book sales, signing, and a reception will follow the program.

Andrew Durbin is the editor in chief of frieze magazine. His book The Wonderful World That Almost Was: A Life of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek was published earlier this year. He is also the author of the novels MacArthur Park, which was a finalist for the Believer Book Award, and Skyland, and served as the editor for Kevin Killian’s posthumous work Fascination. His writing has appeared in The New York Review of Books, London Review of Books, The Believer, The Paris Review online, Los Angeles Review of Books, and elsewhere. He lives in London.

Reception made possible by Central Market.


Please have your reservation confirmation ready upon entering. A reservation does not guarantee a seat. Line forms upon arrival of the first patron, and doors open 30 minutes before the event begins. No food or beverages are allowed inside our theater or gallery space.

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Where is it happening?

Harry Ransom Center, 300 West 21st Street, Austin, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

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Harry Ransom Center
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