Editor's Introduction

the minnesota review was founded in 1960, which is to say fifty years ago. By its tenth anniversary it had moved from Minnesota to New York, before migrating to various other states, so perhaps it is only fitting that on its fiftieth it has moved again, this time from Pennsylvania to Virginia. What has remained constant is the journal's review-style mix of creative and critical writing, with an emphasis on remaining contemporary. The critical side of the journal will continue to feature the scholarship of cultural politics in the form of review essays, interviews, revaluations, and special focus sections on topics of current interest. The creative side will be edited by MFA students working under the guidance of Virginia Tech's creative writing faculty.

Many distinguished editors have shaped and shepherded the minnesota review through the decades, but special recognition is due to Jeffrey J. Williams, who steps down after eighteen years of exceptional leadership and pioneering vision in the field of academic and literary editing. His ability to spot trends and to cultivate lively academic writing has made the minnesota review an influential and respected voice in academic criticism, even as it continued to provide an important venue for new literary work. Particularly notable are Williams' interviews with key figures in criticism and the institutions of culture. On a more personal note, I appreciate his wise guidance throughout the process of moving the journal from Carnegie Mellon to Virginia Tech. Advice was given patiently and generously, while granting free rein to me and the new editorial team; any editorial shortcomings from this point forward are of course my own.

This issue, new series number 75, concludes not only the journal's first fifty years, but also marks the end of its status as a self published periodical. The production of this issue has been expertly overseen by Heather Steffen, an editorial staff member for the past five years, most recently as managing editor. She not only did the typesetting, layout, and proofreading, but also guided the issue through to printing and distribution.

Beginning with issue 76, the minnesota review will be published by Duke University Press, whose list of journals includes other titles which share a similar tradition of politically-engaged writing. While it is tempting to wax nostalgic about the good old days of independent publishing, in these days of worldwide and increasingly electronic distribution it becomes ever more difficult to sustain scholarly journals and literary magazines. DUP will provide production and marketing services, while Virginia Tech supports the editorial function, including course releases, a graduate assistant, technology support, and basic operating expenses for the editorial office. Thanks are due to the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences; the departments of English and Foreign Languages and Literatures; the Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought interdisciplinary PhD program; and the office of the Vice President of Research.

Call for Papers and Submissions

We welcome submissions of new, previously unpublished poetry and fiction. Please visit www.theminnesotareview.org for dates, guidelines, and access to our online submission system for creative writing.

Inquiries and submissions of critical essays should be addressed to editors@theminnesotareview.org.

Many issues include a special focus section on a topic of interest to critically minded humanities scholars. Upcoming topics: International Cultural Studies (in production for the next issue); Religion and the Humanities Today (proposals by 1/15/2011, manuscripts by 2/15/2011); Global English (proposals by 9/1/2011, manuscripts by 10/15/2011). Send inquiries to editors@theminnesotareview.org. Detailed calls for papers available on request.