From the Editor

From the Editor I have just returned from a very intense and exciting International Congress on Lagamon's Brut that was elegantly hosted byJames Noble atThe University of New Brunswick at Saint John (23-26 July 1997). During the congress we noticed at least eleven different pronunciations ofthe author's name, leading us to conclude—not least for orthographic ease—that 'the Artist formerly known as Lagamon' might with impunity be introduced to our students as Lawman. Two new modern English translations ofLawman's Brut will make it possible for many to teach this resonant text more regularly. In the next few years Arthuriana will produce two special issues on Lawman (one edited by James Noble, the other by Elizabeth Bryan). There are several other guest-edited issues (on organized themes or single authors) in progress, and members ofthe IAS/NAB are encouraged to submit proposals for special issues. Those nearing publication include Arthurian Adultery edited by Mark Adderley, Literature ofthe Grail edited by Norris Lacy, and Arthurian Sexual Economies co-edited by Laurie Finke and Marty Shichtman. Several special issues are still in progress. Contact the guest editor if you are interested in contributing: Theoretical Approaches to Geoffrey of Monmouth edited by FionaTolhurst, TheoreticalApproaches to the Prose Tristan edited byJaninaTraxler, and Wagner'sArthurian Works edited by Hall Peyton. Independent scholarly submissions to the journal (like those found in this issue) on all Arthurian topics are always valued, and they are carefully and swiftly evaluated. With this issue we celebrate the appointment ofKevin Harty as Associate Editor responsible for all post-medieval book reviews. We thank Fran Gellerman for her years of dedicated service as Subscriptions Manager and we wish her luck in her move to sunny California. We also welcome Tom Hanks as the IAS/NAB Newsletter Editor. The generous and steadfast support of Pamela Leader has allowed us to inaugurate the James Randall Leader Prize for Outstanding Article in the previous year's Arthuriana. The prize commemorates the brilliant, brieflife of Pam's brother (1961—93). At a reception held at the annual Kalamazoo Congress on Medieval Studies this May, the initial prize was presented by the selection committee (Norris Lacy, Maureen Fries, and Alan Lupack) to Professor Jean Blacker for her 1996 article 'Where Wace Feared to Tread: Latin Commentaries on Merlin Prophecies in the Reign of Henry II.' Congratulations to Jean, and to Pam, our deepest gratitude. BONNIE WHEELER James RandallLeader Prize Reception: Don Hoffman (President, IAS/NAB), Joan Grimbert (Secretary, IAS/NAB). James Randall Leader Prize Reception: Norris Lacy, Jean Blacker, Maureen Fries, and Alan Lupack. ...