The “William Blount Book Talk” will be held inside the Blount Mansion Visitors Center with Dr. Christopher Magra, a history professor for the University of Tennessee. In 2019, Blount Mansion was able to secure republication of William H. Masterson’s 1954 book, William Blount, the only biography of the man who built Blount Mansion, signed the U.S. Constitution and shepherded Tennessee into statehood. The original publisher, Louisiana State University Press, granted permission for Blount Mansion to republish a limited number of copies.

Magra will present a critical analysis of Masterson’s work, including possible new avenues of research for scholars interested in Blount and his times. Magra is an acclaimed author and award-winning teacher who has published two books on the maritime dimensions of the American Revolution. A light reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by Magra’s presentation at 6 p.m.