Michael Aaron Rockland, a professor of American Studies at Rutgers University and author of 13 published books, will share his fascinating experiences during his diplomatic career at 7 pm on January 23 at the Warren Township Library. Rockland's anecdotes, from his book An American Diplomat in Franco Spain, include the day he spent with Martin Luther King Jr.
during his visit to Madrid, while Rockland was working at the Embassy.Other stories from the book include the near disaster when four American hydrogen bombs, luckily unarmed, rained down on Spain and Rockland's involvement, as a cultural attache, in mitigating the effects of the crisis. The book also concerns the making of the movie, Dr. Zhivago, almost entirely shot in Spain, and for which his young son was chosen for the role of Zhivago's son, Sasha.
He spent years in the U.S. diplomatic service as a cultural attache at embassies in Argentina and Spain. His overseas experience also included senior Fulbright lectureships in Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, and Norway.
Among his many books are four on New Jersey. His latest book, "Navy Crazy," a memoir of his military service, is due in April. Rockland also has written for magazines such as Philadelphia, Adventure Travel, Explorer's Journal, Big, Preservation and New Jersey Monthly, where he has long been a regular contributor.
Rockland's appearance at the Warren Township Library is free but registration is required. People can call the library at 908-754-5554 EXT 64 or sign up online.
