Focusing on the role of seven American and English women in editing and publishing influential avant-garde literary journals in the early decades of the 20th century, Marek, a Fulbright fellow in Hungary, argues that women were more instrumental in the evolution of modernism than is generally acknowledged. She devotes individual chapters to Harriet Monroe, founder of Poetry (in 1912), and her first coeditor, Alice Corbin Henderson; Margaret Anderson and Jane Heap, editors of the Little Review (1914-29); and Marianne Moore, editor of the Dial (1925-29), among others. In the final chapter, Marek explores interactions between the women editors and the male literary establishment, specifically regarding Ezra Pound. Although a few of Marek's interpretations may be questioned, the overall evidence that women editors played an important role in promoting critical dialog, new ideas, and new literature cannot be denied. This important scholarly study provides the groundwork for further research.Jeris Cassel, Rutgers Univ. Libs., New Brunswick, N.J.
A fine introduction to the formative influence of women editors, both individually and in their collaborative efforts, in fostering new literary talent during the early decades of this century. Includes a detailed examination of the work of seven remarkable women editors. Paper edition (unseen), $14.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Focusing on women's involvement in the editing and overall production of so-called little magazines, Marek's aim is to "recover and examine the roles of seven . . . women . . . "with an eye toward revising sex-biased assumptions." To this end, Marek singles out the contributions of a fascinating contingent of literary figures. Prominent among those individuals who left their stamp on the modernist movement are Harriet Monroe of" Poetry"; the "Little Review"'s Margaret Anderson and Jane Heap; and, in Britain, H.D. and Bryher, for efforts on the "Egoist" and other special publications. Ezra Pound's overall influence is also subjected to Marek's critical analysis.
A useful, highly readable guide to the achievements of the women under examination.
Make[s] a very effective case both for the shaping influence of these women and for the continued study of the little magazine as a forcefield of literary modernism.
Yearbook of English Studies
Sticks a further and very substantial puncture in the rapidly deflating balloon of male modernist supremacy... A thoughtful and scrupulously researched study.
The Review of English Studies
For readers interested not only in women's studies, but also publishing history and modern literature.
An informed and nuanced study of women catalyzing modernism by their work as editors. A serious addition to the new narratives of modernism, making a notable contribution to an evolving feminist scholarship.
Marek constructs a powerful, alternative account of seven women who, in primary ways, shaped the aethetics of modernism and the modernist canon. She brings them alive—not as personalities or psyches, but as critical intelligences who had independent views about literature and used their magazines to express and test them.
Marek singles out the contributions of a fascinating contingent of literary figures.
An extremely interesting and informative history of seven modernist women editors.
English Literature in Transition
A serious book and enjoyable reading. Only Marek's illuminating study has proved that women's contribution as editors of literary magazines of Anglo-American modernism was overwhelming. The whole book speaks eloquently and convincingly: women editors were catalysts and shapers of literary modernism.
Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies
A well-researched, fully documented revisionist study. The study does impressive double duty in its recovery of archival material and the construction of 'Conversation' as a paradigm for examining women's editorial activity in the modernist period.
The new archival research here should prove useful for future scholarship.
Journal of American History
The first of its kind. An invaluable contribution.
Annotated Bibliography for English Studies
Offers detailed, carefully-documented, and absorbing accounts of behind-the-scenes dealings both with texts and their authors.
Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature
Marek's focus is unique, and she includes a significant amount of previously unpublished material.
Marek's book renders visible through its overview the female networks and underpinnings of modernism; in that respect it is invaluable.
"A well-researched, fully documented revisionist study. The study does impressive double duty in its recovery of archival material and the construction of 'Conversation' as a paradigm for examining women's editorial activity in the modernist period." — American Literature
"The first of its kind. An invaluable contribution." — Annotated Bibliography for English Studies
"Marek singles out the contributions of a fascinating contingent of literary figures." — Booklist
"Marek's focus is unique, and she includes a significant amount of previously unpublished material." — Choice
"An extremely interesting and informative history of seven modernist women editors." — English Literature in Transition
"A serious book and enjoyable reading. Only Marek's illuminating study has proved that women's contribution as editors of literary magazines of Anglo-American modernism was overwhelming. The whole book speaks eloquently and convincingly: women editors were catalysts and shapers of literary modernism." — Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies
"The new archival research here should prove useful for future scholarship." — Journal of American History
"An important study.... The overall evidence that women editors played an important role in promoting critical dialog, new ideas, and new literature cannot be denied." — Library Journal
"Marek's book renders visible through its overview the female networks and underpinnings of modernism; in that respect it is invaluable." — Media History
"A useful, highly readable guide to the achievements of the women under examination." — Modernism
"An informed and nuanced study of women catalyzing modernism by their work as editors. A serious addition to the new narratives of modernism, making a notable contribution to an evolving feminist scholarship." — Rachel Blau DuPlessis
"For readers interested not only in women's studies, but also publishing history and modern literature." — Small Press Book Review
"Marek constructs a powerful, alternative account of seven women who, in primary ways, shaped the aethetics of modernism and the modernist canon. She brings them alive — not as personalities or psyches, but as critical intelligences who had independent views about literature and used their magazines to express and test them." — South Atlantic Review
"Sticks a further and very substantial puncture in the rapidly deflating balloon of male modernist supremacy... A thoughtful and scrupulously researched study." — The Review of English Studies
"Offers detailed, carefully-documented, and absorbing accounts of behind-the-scenes dealings both with texts and their authors." — Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature
"Make[s] a very effective case both for the shaping influence of these women and for the continued study of the little magazine as a forcefield of literary modernism." — Yearbook of English Studies
