Nov 18 2008 - 31st Annual National Press Club Book Fair and Authors' Night

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, veteran journalists Helen Thomas and Roger Mudd, and professional wrestler Bret Hart will join 90 other authors at the 31st Annual National Press Club Book Fair on Nov. 18.

The fair, which is open to the public, will also feature Senator Mel Martinez, Kerry Kennedy, youngest daughter of Robert Kennedy, sports author William Nack, Russell Baker and Jim Wooten, (featuring the work of their friend and colleague, the late David Halberstam) James Reston, Jr., former "Dukes of Hazzard" star, former Rep. Ben Jones, adventure author Stephen Coonts and historian Eleanor Herman.

Renowned artist, Wendell Minor, whose illustrations have graced over 2000 books, including the covers of bestsellers for David McCullough, has designed and commemorative poster for this year's event. Mr. Minor will be in attendance along with Loretta and Linda Sanchez (the first-ever sisters in the House of Representatives), Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Jim DeMint, celebrity chefs including Bon Appetit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild, Kennedy family chef Neil Connolly, and "Made in Spain" star Jose Andres.

All authors will be in present to sign their books. However, no outside books are permitted. Admission is $5 for non-members. Club members are admitted at no charge.

For more than three decades, Washington-area residents have stocked up on holiday gifts at this prestigious event. Guests will find everything from historical authors dressed in period costume to cookbook authors with samples of their favorite recipes. The National Press Club Book Fair offers something for everyone.

A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library, the Club's 501(c) 3 organization, which runs a world-class research facility for journalists and provides extensive training to journalists to prepare them to meet the challenges of a changing profession.

The National Press Club is located at the corner or 14th and F and two blocks from Metro Center. The event is open from 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. For a complete list of authors, to register, and for more information, go to www.press.org.