Maurice Sendak speaks at "Art of the Book" Symposium

Maurice Sendak, an author, illustrator and stage designer best known for his "childrens'" book Where the Wild Things Are, spoke during "The Art and Craft of the Book - A Celebration." symposium in the Weiss centre on September 29th, 1983. During the symposium, Sendak described his avid love for books since childhood, when he was often bed-ridden with illness. He also discussed the genesis of his book, Where the Wild Things Are, saying that he originally "wanted the book to be Where the Wild Horses Are, but I couldn't draw horses. So I felt that 'Wild Things' left me more room."

According to Sendak, his inspiration for the Wild Things came from visits by his Jewish relatives: "They would come over and we'd have to get dressed up... they'd say, 'You look so good we could eat you up!' Well, kids will believe some funny things." Sendak also spoke at length on illustrations he had completed for other authors' works, including the poetry of Randall Jarrell, and a Grimm fairytale.