Editor's Note

EDITOR'S NOTE I am delighted to announce an exciting new phase in the life of Victorian Review. Beginning with the Summer number of 1997 (23:1) Victorian Review will be published jointly by the VSAWC and die Victorian Studies Association of Ontario. Consequently the present number is the last to be published solely by die Victorian Studies Association of Western Canada. Naturally diere is some sadness diat die journal will no longer represent only VSAWC interests. However, in a very competitive age, the merger brings many benefits, not the least of which is die opportunity to evolve as a journal more representative of a wider Canadian scholarly community. The reasons for die merger are both academic and practical. The editors and executives of the two associations believe that a refereed journal is a valuable service to die several disciplines diat contribute to Victorian studies, as well as to the individuals who belong to VSAO and VSAWC. An expanded editorial board, and a sharing of labor between an Editor and Associate Editor representing the two associations, will allow the present editorial policy to be strengthened and made more coherent. The journal will be able to continue to draw upon die strong traditions of scholarship based in Canada and concerned with the literature, history and culture of the Victorians. In addition, both organizations face financial concerns that can be alleviated by sharing production costs. A journal emerging from more tiian one region will be in a stronger position to appeal for financial support. Finally, a refereed journal, published jointly, will attract submissions both from established contributors and new scholars, as well as subscriptions from university libraries, and advertising revenue. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact me at the Department of History, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, TlK 3M4 or e-mail: Hosgood®HG.ULeth.CA. ...