In loving memory of Lindon Barrett, 1961–2008

This cluster of essays originated in a University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI) Faculty Research Resident Group convened at the University of California, Irvine, in Spring 2001. Co-conveners Kathleen McHugh and Chon Noriega assembled fellow UC faculty members Lindon Barrett, Robert Folkenflik, Jennifer Gonzalez, Catherine Komisaruk, and Catherine Lord, together with Julia Watson from The Ohio State University, to work on projects related to "Confession and Conquest: Autobiography in the Americas." As happens, we formed close intellectual friendships in the research, reading, and writing we shared with each other, which persisted through the various arrangements for co-publication that came out of that group.

We dedicate this cluster to the memory of Lindon Barrett, whose sudden death shocked and saddened us. Lindon had a brilliant, fierce intellect and a radiant personal sweetness and sunniness, which radiated in equal measure. As critic and colleague, he was both supportive and astute. Lindon believed in music, ideas, dancing—work and pleasure in equal measure. He will be sorely missed.