Author Nathaniel Philbrick will discuss his book "The Rush" at the Providence Athenaeum on Oct. 30, with both an in-person audience and a live online program.
The EX LIBRIS event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 251 Benefit St. The book examines California's Gold Rush and its role in the United States' political and economic changes before the Civil War.
The in-person ticket page showed the event sold out with a waitlist when checked Oct. 24. The $45 tickets were limited to members, according to the registration page; the library calendar describes admission for members and their guests. Tickets include a signed book and a reception from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
The virtual program is free for members and pay-what-you-can for nonmembers. Online registration is required.
Philbrick wrote "In the Heart of the Sea," which won the National Book Award, and "Mayflower," a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Other books include "Bunker Hill," "Valiant Ambition" and "Travels with George."
The Athenaeum says the entire program will be broadcast live, but only the moderated question-and-answer portion will be recorded for its website.