Readers and writers alike remembered author William Maxwell last night at the Corner Bookstore. Seven contributors to the new book “A William Maxwell Portrait: Memories and Appreciations” (W.W. Norton) described their admiration for the short-story writer, novelist, and New Yorker editor who died in 2000 at age 91. Many were overcome with emotion.

Interviewing Maxwell was an unnerving experience, explained poet Edward Hirsch. Once asked a question, Maxwell would roll a sheet of paper into his typewriter, tap out his response, and then hand it to the reporter. If the next question were a follow-up, he’d put the same sheet back in the typewriter and continue. A new line of inquiry got fresh paper. It was all to avoid being misquoted.

A gem from one interview Mr. Hirsch conducted: “I used to think that when I got to be an old man, I’d sit in a chair and drink scotch all day. Now I find I don’t like scotch,” Maxwell said – or, rather, typed.

Donna Tartt told of her first – and last – encounter with the man she refers to as “Mr.

Maxwell.” They met at the home of fellow writer Alec Wilkinson. “He was the gentlest person I’d ever met,” she said, “reminiscent of Fred Astaire, in his later years, after he’d stopped dancing.” Later, she saw him on a blustery day, walking across York Avenue at 86th Street, near his home. But she did not say hello, which she has regretted from that moment. Others readers were Charles Baxter, Ben Cheever, Paula Fox, Michael Collier, and Mr. Wilkinson. Guests included authors Francine Prose and Lily Tuck; Frances Kiernan, who worked as Maxwell’s secretary in the 1950s; and Elizabeth Ebel, who also worked at the New Yorker. Corner Bookstore’s owner, Lenny Golay, called it “the most memorable evening we’ve had in the history of our small bookstore.”

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In honor of Fashion Week, several designers from Harlem presented their collections on the runway last night. Wilbur Pack Jr. went after the young set with flirty denim skirts and pants, paired with ruffled shirts and crop tanks in sherbet hues. Nova Lorraine presented dramatically draped gowns. A highlight was a satin suit with embroidered trim on the sleeves and cuffs. The milliner known as “Bunn” showed beautiful hats, and Charlotte “Charlie” Sutton’s jewelry also made a statement. The event, titled “Harlem’s in Vogue,” also featured musicians from the neighborhood.