The Second and Third International Conferences of Conrad Scholars

When they told me they had sold the American rights to Schocken Books, I wrote to them that I preferred A- Biography as the subtitle and wished them to instruct the American publishers to restore that. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, (signed) Jean Overton Fuller October 30, 1972 Dear Professor Gerber: Thank you for passing on to me the letter of Jean Overton Fuller (dated October 17th, 1972), concerning my review of her Swinburne ; A Biography. She calls to your attention "a factual error on which he [_myself] bases an implication." This factual error is my remark about the difference in title between the British and American printings of her book. The British title is Swinburne : A- Critical Biography, the American title deletes "critical." I was of course unaware that Critical was an insertion by Miss Fuller's publishers, and that she was in agreement with the deletion of that word from the American printing of her book. Nevertheless, my remarks about the omission of that word still may stand unchallenged ; it is not the wisdom, or what I supposed might have been the wisdom, of the American publisher that I wanted to emphasize . I still think, as I did when writing my review, th at Miss Fuller's book is not critical in an analytical way. I apologize to her, however, for what was not intended as anything more than disinterested criticism, of my own sort, of the book under review. Sincerely yours, (signed) Benjamin Franklin Fisher IV THE SECOND AND THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES OF CONRAD SCHOLARS The International Conrad Society and Conradiana sponsored the Second International Conference of Conrad Scholars at the University of London, Birkbeck College, 1-3 September, under this reporter 's chairmanship. Frofessor Harold Brooks, editor of the Arden Shakespeare, handled local arrangements. Scholars from Europe, Africa, America, Lebanon and Israel attended. Papers on such diverse topics as "Conrad in Africa," "Joseph Conrad' International World of Men" and "Fetishism and Other Sexual Deviations in Conrad's Art" were heard. There was a lively panel discussion led by Ms. Edith Wegman of Temple University on "The Contemporary Significance of Conrad and His Art." Panel members were Professor M. C. Bradbrook (Cambridge University), Professor Gerald M. Garmon (University of Georgia), Richard Gekoski (Warwick University ) and Professor Marvin Mudrick (University of California). For many of the delegates from American universities, this was the first time they were able to meet colleagues from the socialist countries of eastern Europe. Viewpoints were exchanged and scholars had the opportunity of making important new contacts and friendships . One learned, for example, that Fullbright exchange professorships are now in effect at Polish universities. It is hoped, however, that greater opportunities would be afforded for Polish scholars to lecture at English and American universities. Such, a free exchange of scholars, particularly it the senior levels, could benefit mutual understanding, learning, and international friendship greatly. On the second and final day of the London Conference, more papers were read, includine sent by Dr. Ugo Mursia, the distinguished Italian scholar and publisher of Conrad (Editione Mursia) in Italy who will publish the papers of the Conference early next year. The Conference ended with a banquet at Norway House, where a magnificent buffet was served and Polish music was provided on the bandura by Victor Kytasty (California State University). The Polish Ambassador was a guest as well as many of the visiting and native scholars. The Polish Library in London, under the directorship of Dr. Marie Danilewicz of the Polish emigré community, had a special exhibition of its magnificent collection of published and unpublished Conrad materials. The Third International Conference convened in Warsaw on 5 September . The first day a reception was given by PEN, the Polish V.riters· Union in Warsaw. Julian Kryzanowski delivered the Inaugural Address . There were refreshments and an opportunity for the scholars, to meet Polish writers and scholars. Professor Ian Watt of Stanford University gave a paper as did Dr, V/itold Chwalewick, one of the architects of the Warsaw Conference. After the papers there was a discussion. Among the guests were Kr. Borys Conrad, one of the novelist's sons, and his friend and neighbor, Ms. Margaret Rishworth. Later on in...