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STATE OF NEW YORK 

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 

Edith Wharton Citation of Merit for Fiction Writers

Presented to:

Mary Gordon

Whereas, the Empire State is pleased to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through their lasting contributions to literature, art, culture, and society as a whole; and

Whereas, Mary Gordon is just such an individual - a brilliant intellect, a supremely thought-provoking writer, and an award-winning novelist whose work is so eloquent and powerful that Edith Wharton would surely see in her a kindred spirit, as both a New Yorker and a woman of depth, great wisdom, and a lively understanding; and

Whereas, in her novels and works of short fiction, Mary Gordon has, with effortless, lyrical style, demonstrated the delightful ability to craft interesting tales about people that we come to know and care about, who must address issues that are real, timely, and pertinent; always entertaining, these stories teach us something important and essential about the human experience; and

Whereas, with clear, deft strokes, and compelling prose, Mary Gordon paints pictures for us, and for new generations of readers, of the texture and nuances of an Irish American, Catholic household, a family held together by strong women characters, the give and take of the male-female relationship, examining religion, art, life and love with profound insight, and an ever-present awareness of the importance of a sense of place, of our place, of New York; and

Whereas, Mary Gordon has touched the lives of the students of writing in her classroom and those of her devoted readers with her articulate and eloquent observations, with her charming wit and her incisive commentary, and we join to celebrate an author whose achievements make her deserving of recognition and our gratitude;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby confer this Citation upon Mary Gordon for her distinguished literary accomplishments and contributions, and am pleased to designate her as the State Author of New York for the years 2008-2010.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor
March 3, 2008