By Ann Boutwell

The launch of Ellen F. Brown and John Wiley, Jr.’s book Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind: A Bestseller’s Odyssey from Atlanta to Hollywood is the first in a series of events happening this year to mark the 75th anniversary of the novel’s publication.

Mitchell, an Atlanta native, began writing her novel in a small apartment on Crescent Avenue in Atlanta before handing it over to Macmillan Publishing Company in New York. The saga extends across the country and throughout the world. Along the way, Margaret Mitchell changed the course of international copyright laws and David O. Selznick created one of the most celebrated motion pictures ever made.

For those who want to meet the authors and take a trip OTP to Gone With the Wind country, The Road to Tara Museum in Jonesboro will host an author’s reception on Tuesday, Feb. 15,  from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for the world-premiere of the new book. Admission is $25 and includes a wine and cheese reception, visit with the authors and commemorative gift. Reservations are required. For information or to purchase tickets, call (770) 478-4800 or email info@visitscarlett.com.

On Wednesday, Feb. 16,  The Atlanta History Center will host an evening with the authors at the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown. Reservations are required. The program begins at 7 p.m. and admission is $5 members; $10 nonmembers. For information or to purchase tickets, call (404) 814-4150 or visit www.margaretmitchellhouse.com/Lectures.