With great advice from no less than six anonymous readers for Cambridge University Press, we contacted scholars at various stages of their academic careers: from the newly graduated assistant professors to the senior scholars in the field. We are proud of this effort to chart the constellation of new work in nineteenth-century American women’s writing. Yet we are still daunted by how much we had to leave out and how many people – through their distinction, passion, and scholarly dedication to the topic – should have contributed to this volume.
We want to thank the indefatigable efforts of Ann Beebe and Jennifer Workman Pitcock, both of whom shaped the project from the beginning (Ann) to the end (Jenny). Lloyd Pratt compiled – expertly and efficiently – both the chronology and the index. Our editors at Cambridge – starting with Ann Sanow, who conceived of the project, to Ray Ryan, who saw it through – have been enthusiastic and encouraging all along. Rachel DeWachter saved us from panic at other stages. Most of all, we are grateful, as ever, to Gordon Hutner, friend to Phil and partner to Dale – and consummate editor for us both. And even more grateful to our families, especially Sophia Alexandra Gould, and Dan and Jake Hutner, who kept us sane.