Since 1993, the Summer Author Series has brought award-winning authors to The Mount. This year’s theme is trailblazers. The eight-week series will highlight the stories of groundbreaking visionaries—scientists, activists, thought leaders, and artists who have broken barriers and reshaped the world. 

On July 28 & 29, author Tess Chakkalakal presents A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt (St. Martin’s 2025). Charles W. Chesnutt was a force in American literature. His novels and short stories delved deeply into racial and social issues, which were especially poignant in the American South after the Civil War. In A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt, Tess Chakkalakal gives readers the first comprehensive biography of this underappreciated literary figure—the first Black writer whose stories appeared in The Atlantic Monthly and whose books were published by Houghton Mifflin. Through his work as a writer, critic, and speaker, Chesnutt broke into all-white literary establishment, crossing racial barriers and transforming the publishing world. 

Tess Chakkalakal teaches African American and American Literature at Bowdoin College. Her writing has appeared in The New England Quarterly, J19, American Literary History, and many others. She is the author of Novel Bondage: Slavery, Marriage, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century America (Illinois UP, 2011) and co-editor of Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs (University of Georgia Press, 2013) and Imperium in Imperio: A Critical Edition (West Virginia UP, 2022). She is co-host and creator of the award-winning podcast Dead Writers: A Show About Great American Authors and Where They Lived. She lives in Brunswick, Maine. 

Photo: Kristina O’Brien

*New to 2025 – an exclusive opportunity for Mount Members!*
The new Rain or Shine Club Pass guarantees a seat at all eight Summer Author Series talks, regardless of weather. Information can be found here. The Rain or Shine Club pass is only available during Members’ pre-sale, through May 11, so pick yours up soon!

TICKETS ON SALE:

General Admission:
$27 – Mount Members
$32 – Non-Members

*New* Rain or Shine Ticket:
$37 – Mount Members
$42 – Non-Members

Individual Rain or Shine Tickets guarantee admission to a program regardless of weather conditions. For a modest increase in the ticket cost, you are guaranteed a seat at events that need to be moved indoors to The Mount’s Stable Auditorium. General Admission tickets are available for each event as well; however, in the event of inclement weather — excessive heat or severe thunderstorms — you are not guaranteed a seat. General Admission tickets will be canceled and refunded if weather conditions prohibit us from hosting an event outside.

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Event Tent, an open-air, two-pole tent adjacent to the parking lot. Please be mindful of the weather and plan accordingly!
• In the event of extreme weather — excessive heat or severe thunderstorms — In Conversation talks may be moved indoors to The Mount’s Stable Auditorium. *New to 2025* The Mount is offering Rain or Shine Tickets, which guarantee admission to this program regardless of location! All ticketholders will be notified via email of a venue change at 2:00 pm the day of the program. Those with standard admission tickets will have their orders automatically canceled and receive full refunds within seven business days.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5111; ext. #2
• A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased from The Mount Bookstore at the event or online from Bookshop.org.

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

This program is sponsored by:

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.