The Friends of the Lilly Library invite the public to a reception in celebration of "Mustard Gas and Roses," an exhibition on the life and works of author Kurt Vonnegut.

Thursday, July 19

5:00 p.m.

Lilly Library

“Mustard Gas and Roses: The Life and Works of Kurt Vonnegut” showcases drafts of manuscripts of Vonnegut’s writings, correspondence, photographs, first editions of novels, and memorabilia to illustrate aspects of Vonnegut’s life and work.

Indianapolis-born Vonnegut won acclaim after the 1969 publication of his breakthrough novel Slaughterhouse-Five, a work inspired by the World War II bombing of Dresden, Germany. The exhibition title, “Mustard Gas and Roses,” is a reference drawn from the novel, which is also the source of the enduring catchphrase “So it goes.”

The Lilly Library acquired the bulk of Vonnegut’s manuscripts and letters in 1997, but the author continued to forward additional letters and packages to the library, each addressed in his own hand, until the end of his life.