University of Oregon journalism professor Lauren Kessler will appear on "The Late Show with David Letterman " on the CBS Network on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Kessler is an award-winning author of nine books. Her latest book, "The Happy Bottom Riding Club, The Life and Times of Pancho Barnes," published this year by Random House, chronicles the life of an early aviatrix, stunt pilot and contemporary of Amelia Earhart. Barnes’ ranch, The Happy Bottom Riding Club, was the hangout for test pilots at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The book caught the attention of talk show host Letterman, an aviation enthusiast who reportedly "loved it." "The hard-drinking, sexually promiscuous pilot and adventuress Florence ‘Pancho’ Barnes exploded every feminine stereotype on the books," wrote author Barbara Ehrenreich. "Thank you, Lauren Kessler, for telling her story with the grace and exuberance it deserves." The Oct. 17 show, which includes other guests Helen Hunt and Willie Nelson, will be taped Tuesday afternoon. Background on Kessler is available from her website at http://lnf.uoregon.edu/faculty/kessler.html. Kessler can be reached Monday evening and Tuesday, Oct. 16—17, at the Rihga Royal Hotel, (212) 307-5000.

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