WASHINGTON, DC – Peter Balakian’s powerful work about the American response to the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 will reach a major milestone next week, with the debut of the “The Burning Tigris” on the New York Times Best Seller list, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

Balakian’s work will be listed as #4 in the Best Seller list published in the October 19th edition of the New York Times Book Review. It is the first work on the Armenian Genocide to receive such distinction.

“Armenian Americans may have been among the first to recognize Peter’s ground-breaking research and compelling narrative, but they will certainly not be the last,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In reaching the New York Times Best Seller list, this powerful work is well on its way to finding its way to every Congressional office, State Department official, international news desk, university history department, and library. We join with all Armenian Americans in congratulating Peter and rededicating ourselves to helping him find the broadest possible audience for ‘The Burning Tigris.’”

“The Burning Tigris” has also been distinguished as a best-seller by several publications, including the Publisher’s Weekly, which will list it as #7 in its list to be appear in its October 13th issue. It is currently listed among the top-50 best selling books by USA TODAY.

Released on September 30th, “The Burning Tigris” comprehensively documents the U.S. humanitarian response to the Armenian Genocide and draws special attention to the vast cast of American heroes who raised their voices against the atrocities being committed by the Ottoman Turkish government against the Armenian people. Among those whose stories are told are Clara Barton, Julia Ward Howe, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, authors Stephen Crane and Ezra Pound, and the many missionaries and diplomats who, through their tireless efforts on behalf of the Armenians, brought about the entry of the United States on the world stage as a humanitarian power. Historians and genocide scholars who have offered critical acclaim for the book include Sir Martin Gilbert, Robert Lifton and Deborah Lipstadt.

Critical acclaim for the book continued this week with an extensive review published in the October 5th issue of New York Newsday. There, Toronto writer and historian Paul Mitchinson notes, that Balakian’s “latest book encourages America to tap into a forgotten well of knowledge about the genocide and to revive its powerful impulse toward humanitarianism. In doing so, America will not just be serving the cause of history, but the broader aims of a liberal and democratic society.” The Newsday article follows strong reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Review this past summer.

Thousands of readers learned about this publication through the ANCA “Burning Tigris” Education Campaign, which was conducted over the internet, through ANCA chapters, and extensive outreach by activists throughout the nation. The ANCA campaign has also reached out to elected officials, scholars, the media, and the general public. As part of the campaign, activists are urged to:

1) Tell a Friend about “The Burning Tigris”

Order a copy for yourself and a friend who is not familiar with the Armenian Genocide or the response of the United States to this crime against humanity.

2) Teach Elected Officials, the Media, and Libraries

Donate a copy of “The Burning Tigris” to local elected officials, media outlets, and libraries to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide.

The ANCA has already made arrangements to distribute 1,000 copies to Members of Congress and the Bush Administration, so please concentrate your efforts on the media, local and state government official, and libraries.

3) Take a Friend to a Reading of “The Burning Tigris”

After the September 30th release date, author Peter Balakian will go on a 15-city book tour, personally bringing this important period of American and Armenian history to communities nationwide. Take a friend to a reading and hear the author discuss his research and findings first hand.

A listing of book reading venues and dates is located on the ANCA website, www.anca.org