by Debbie Tuma
Under a gigantic tent on a sunny August afternoon, about 100 prominent authors gathered on the lawn of Herrick Park in East Hampton to sign their latest books and greet the crowds. This was the library’s 21st Author’s Night, which is one of the biggest of its kind in the country.
They sat at long tables in alphabetical order, with stacks of books everywhere, as the crowds made their way to find their favorite authors. The proceeds from the sale of books goes to help with projects and services of the East Hampton Library, and this is their biggest benefit of the year.
Some of the most popular authors were Robert Caro, with his huge book “Power Broker,” and others, and Neil de Grasse Tyson with his book “Merlin’s Tour of the Universe Revised and Updated for the 21st Century.” Christie Brinkley sat between stacks of her new memoir, “Uptown Girl,” and Alec Baldwin greeted guests alongside his wife Hilaria with her new book, “Manual Not Included,” about their large family of seven kids.
Actor George Hamilton was there with author Katherine Byron, helping to hand out her large coffee table books on home décor, called, “Great Inspiration.” Tom Clavin, of Sag Harbor, a prolific author of over 20 books, was signing copies of his latest book, “Bandit Heaven.” Artist Amy Zerner and her husband, writer Monte Farber, of East Hampton, were showing their new “The Vision Board Oracle,” about how to create the life you want.
Paul Vogel, of Vogel Bindery in East Hampton, was showing a colorful display of his book binding business, and explaining this business to curious guests.
Throughout the day, people roamed the tent, perusing books from hardcover to paperback, and chatting with the authors. They also lined up in the back of the tent to sample some of the delicious cuisine of raw clams, oysters, sushi, assorted sandwiches, cookies, brownies, and more. There was also a large assortment of wines and sodas. Susan Israelson, an author herself, whose book “Water Baby,” about Fire Island, was in a previous Authors Nights, said this book fair is one of her favorite events. “I look forward to it each year, and it’s one of the best events of the Hamptons,” she said.
Following the event, the authors go to dinner at private homes in the area to mingle with guests. For information on Authors Night, and to see all the authors and their books, visit https://easthamptonlibrary.org/