The National Book Critics Circle was conceived and founded in April 1974. What began with founding members John Leonard, Nona Balakian, and Ivan Sandrof over drinks at the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan became a national conversation between critics. 50 years later, the National Book Critics Circle remains a force in American literary society through its awards, but also its community.

Now in its 50th anniversary year, this panel conversation considers the influence that Brooklyn along with its critics and writers have brought to American literary culture. Today, even after the move to remote work in 2020, Brooklyn stands out as home to much of the publishing industry. In both formal and casual channels, the borough has been a crucible for collaboration, networking, leverage, and celebration of writers. National Book Critics Circle board members past and present, including Michele Filgate, Maris Kreizman, David Varno, Jo Livingstone, Tobias Carroll, and others will discuss the borough’s impact on books and criticism over the decades.