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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 16, 2005

AGBU ARARAT ISSUES BOOK-LENGTH LEO HAMALIAN ISSUE

New York, NY – The AGBU quarterly Ararat has published a special
edition to honor Leo Hamalian (1920 – 2003). A prominent American
intellectual, Hamalian was editor of Ararat for over thirty years
and maintained the magazine as a leading forum for Armenian-American
thought and writing.

Hamalian was an accomplished writer who published and edited scores of
books on non-Armenian as well as Armenian topics, and a beloved teacher
and colleague who maintained friendships over decades and continents.

This 156-page book-sized volume, prepared by Linda Hamalian and
Aram Arkun, is an extensive collection of Hamalian’s fiction,
poetry, literary criticism, and prose pieces on culture and
politics. Hamalian’s writing is wry and entertaining, even on the
most serious of topics.

Selections deal with his Armenian experiences, the turbulence of
America in the 1960s and 1970s, and important films and writers. The
special Ararat issue contains a biographical essay by Linda Hamalian
focusing on Leo’s early years, and reminiscences and tributes drawn
from colleagues, students, and friends whose lives were influenced by
his wisdom, compassion, and love for teaching literature and writing.

Among some of the well known Armenian contributors are Jack
Antreassian, Michael J. Arlen, Peter Balakian, Vartan Gregorian,
Nishan Parlakian, Peter Sourian, Robert Hewsen, Laura Kalpakian,
Sonia Ketchian, Harry Keyishian, and Nancy Kricorian. Also included
is a 14-page color photograph album that features Leo’s childhood,
college days, and travels through the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

A homage to Leo Hamalian’s talent and wit, the issue encapsulates a
rich life devoted to words, ideas and love of literature.

Ararat () is an international quarterly of
literature, popular culture and the arts published by AGBU. Individual
copies of the special Hamalian issue or other issues are available at
$7 each (plus $3 shipping & handling), while annual subscriptions are
$24. Please submit orders or subscribe by emailing ararat@agbu.org,
calling 212-319-6383, ext. 131, or mailing your request, along with
a check, to ARARAT/AGBU, 55 East 59th Street, NY, NY 10022-1112.

For more information about AGBU and its many cultural initiatives,
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