Imperial Masquerade: The Legend of Princess Der Ling

Author Grant Hayter-Menzies will give a presentation on his new book, a biography of the Chinese author, former lady in waiting, flapper, feminist, and all around radical: Princess Der Ling (1885-1944). Imperial Masquerade is the first biography of one of the 20th Century's most intriguing cross-cultural personalities. It traces not only the life of Princess Der Ling, but offers a fresh look at the woman she lionized and, ultimately, betrayed -- the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Along with a talk about the many-faceted personality that was Princess Der Ling and a reading from the book, the author will present a slide show of rare photographs from the court of the Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as glimpses into the intimate family life of Princess Der Ling.

Autographed copies of Der Ling's books, as well as a scroll painting by the Empress Dowager herself, and a sample of imperial palace embroidery, will be on display. Imperial Masquerade will be available for purchase - the author will sign (and chop) copies on request.

A resident of Sidney, British Columbia, Grant Hayter-Menzies has served as art and music critic for newspapers and magazines in the U.S. and Canada. His first book, a biography of stage and screen comedienne Charlotte Greenwood, based on her unpublished memoirs, was published in May 2007 by McFarland & Company.

WHEN	Sunday, May 18, 2008, 3:00 - 5:00PM
WHERE	Vanport Room, 338 Smith Memorial Student Center, P.S.U.
COST	Free, and opened to the public
INFO	Call 503-973-5451 for more info