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Page 2 The history of American Book Review consists of nearly thirty years of continuous engagement with some of the most challenging, innovative, and beautiful wordcraft in our literary tradition. Its editors and contributors form both a Who's Who ofthe literary scene and an index of the powerful undercurrents in American publishing. The review has thrived because of the collective spirit that has dominated its editorial vision and publishing practice. At its core are writers writing about writers: people who live with words, who allow words to dominate their being. Part of the uniqueness and power of this publication is the critical window these contributors provide for our readers. ABR reviewers share a commitment to and passion for contemporary writing, which make ABR a special venue to gain a perspective on the contemporary American literary horizon. The emphasis away from mainstream American publishing only makes ABR more attractive and valuable to its readers. At its best, ABR is like a trip down the blue highways and backstreets ofcontemporary American literature and culture with a knowledgeable local guide. Its bimonthly issues are adventurousjourneys often into unchartered territory. They provide its readership with an almost unparalleled insight into the innovations of contemporary American writing. I have been a frequent contributor to ABR and a fervent fan. I believe in the value of its mission, in the maintenance of its practices, and in the promise of its future. I am honored to be leading ABR into a new phase of its history. While I know and have worked with many members of the ABR editorial and contributing family, there are many more whom I look forward to getting to know. I aim to foster the collaborative spirit that has propelled ABR to its esteemed position. If you have chance, drop me a line. I always enjoy hearing stories about ABR's past, particularly its early days, and value your guidance and support regarding this publication's present and immediate future. Over the course of the next few issues, you will see a few small changes as I build on ABR's strengths, though much will be the same as it has been over the history of this publication. Editorial and publishing decisions will be driven by the wishes and values of those persons who graciously offer their time and energy. Looking ahead, the next issue ofABR will feature a revamped masthead. Over the course of its history, ABR has had the privilege ofamassing an impressive list ofeditors. However, the number of editorial distinctions has multiplied beyond necessity. So, instead of having Executive Editors, Editors , Contributing Editors, Advisory Editors, and Associate Editors—a host ofdistinctions worthy of a medieval logician—we'll simply have Associate Editors and Contributing Editors. Associate Editor will signify a high level ofday-to-day editorial activity and Contributing Editor a less frequent level. Dr. Charles Alcorn, as you already know, will be our full-time Managing Editor, and I will serve as Editor, overseeing the editorial operation of ABR. It is my hope that this editorial reorganization will not only make it easier for the editors themselves to understand their respective roles, but also that those observing from the outside will be able to more clearly distinguish the editorial structure of ABR. I'd like to close by thanking the ABR family, particularly Charlie Harris and Tara Reeser, for their guidance and good will during this period of transition. I'd also like to thank R. M. Berry and Lance Olson for graciously agreeing to serve as Associate Editors in our emerging editorial structure. In addition, a note of heartfelt thanks goes out to all of those persons whose support has made ABR's editorial relocation to the University of Houston-Victoria a reality, particularly the president of our university, Dr. Tim Hudson; our former provost, Dr. Don Smith; and our current regent, Morgan O'Connor. Finally, my deepest debt ofgratitude goes out to CharlieAlcorn. Over the past three months, he has diligently and tirelessly labored to master the management of this publication. Gracias. It should be noted that I deeply appreciate the time and energy that all of the editors of ABR put into this publication. Moreover...