The Editor's Fence

THE EDITOR'S FENCE 1. Report on the ELT Seminar; E. M. Forster (MLA, Chicago, Dec 1973): The Seminar met from 12:45 to 2:00 p.m. on December 28, with Frederick P. W, McDowell (University of Iowa) presiding. Thirty-five people attended this lively session. The energy crisis in England meant that Oliver Stallybrass could not come as he had planned! but his paper, "The Abinger Edition of E. M. Forster," sparked interest on one of the most significant scholarly projects now being undertaken for a major modern author. The most recent volumes in the edition, Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson and Related Writings, Howards End, and The Manuscripts of Howards End were available for the seminar participants to examine . Two related papers, Alan Wilde's "Depths and Surfaces: Dimensions of Forsterian Irony" and Elizabeth Heine's "The Significance of Structure in the Novels of E. M. Forster and Virginia Woolf" led to animated discussion of Forster's fictional methods and techniques, especially the role of pattern in his work and his use of irony in his early, middle, and late phases as a writer. A vigorous interchange then took place between audience and panelist Bonnie Blumenthal Finkelstein on the timely subject of "Foster's Women: A. Room with a_ View." Enthusiasts stayed in the meeting room until another group virtually evicted them at 2:30. The papers have been printed in English Literature in Transition, XVI:4 (1973). 2. Report on the ASB Seminar: Shaw and Others (MLA, Chicago, Dec 1973): The Seminar met from 12:45 to 2:00, on December 2?, with H. E. Gerber (Arizona State University) presiding and with about twenty-two participants present. The Discussion Leader reviewed the status of the ASB Series: four volumes published, about ten additional volumes contracted, and some six more under consideration. A statement of purposes and procedures was circulated during the meeting and an Instruction Manual had been circulated through the mails prior to the meeting. In general, the techniques for bibliographical recording were thought to be satisfactory, although a participant suggested that library locations for more obscure items be included in the published volumes. Discussion focused on problems related to compiling and consistency in the abstracts. The general editor of the series proposed to make available to all editors and contributors a basic list of periodicals and newspapers to be searched for items on all authors included in the series. The Seminar then went on to establish some guidelines for inclusiveness, length of abstracts, evaluative comments, and the handling of reviews of theatrical performances. A revised Instruction Manual for editors and contributors is to be prepared. 3. Future ELT Seminars : The Bibliography and Research Committee, meeting at MLA in Chicago, proposed the following Seminar topics for the next three years. I try to suggest the kind of papers that will be considered and, in a general way, the avenues of discussion these Seminars might explore. My suggestions are not intended to be narrowly restrictive, but only to guide prospective contributors and participants. Discussion Leaders for the three Seminars will be announced in ELT as soon as commitments have been made. For the Seminar on Aestheticism planned for the New York MLA meeting in 1974, papers may be submitted to me. These papers will be evaluated by critical readers for ELT and by the Discussion Leader. Papers found acceptable will be published in the fourth number of ELT, which will be mailed prior to the MLA meetings. The deadline for submission of papers to be considered for the Seminar is early August. Îμ) Aesthetic Movement (New York, 197^): We last dealt with this topic in I962. The following are some possible subjects for papers and discussion. An opening general paper, perhaps an attempt to define the subject as a response to historical conditions, as a reaction to the state of the arts by about I880, as a philosophical stance, etc. Or a general paper on the relationship of literature, painting, and music, perhaps showing a more or less conscious effort to envigorate literature by borrowing techniques from the other arts. Perhaps several papers on individual authors or on several authors from among the following: Wilde, Pater, Symons, Beerbohm, Beardsley...