In Memoriam

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In Memoriam: Ezra Tawil (1967-2024)

Ezra Tawil (1967-2024) It is with great sadness that I communicate the passing of Ezra Tawil, Professor of English at the University of Rochester. Ezra was a brilliant scholar and skilled teacher, and we will remember with gratitude the joyful exuberance, sharp acuity, and generous mentorship that he brought to the profession. His books included…

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In Memoriam: Wil Verhoeven (1958-2024)

Wil Verhoeven (1958-2024) Wil Verhoeven, Professor of American Studies in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, was Head of School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen’s University Belfast (2017-2020). He died on October 11, 2024. He was formerly Professor of American Culture and Cultural Theory, and founding Chair of the American Studies…

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In Memoriam: James A. Levernier (1949-2021)

James A. Levernier (1949-2021) Messages from the SEA community upon hearing the sad news on the SEA listserv from Professor Stodola that Professor Levernier had passed away. ——- From Professor Zabelle Stodola: James A. Levernier, 1949-2021 With profound sadness I pass on news of the death of my friend and colleague James A. (Jim) Levernier….

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In Memoriam: Sarah Schuetze (d. 2021)

Sarah Schuetze (d. January 2021) Messages from the SEA community upon hearing the sad news on the SEA listserv from Professor Rust that Professor Sarah Schuetze had passed away in January 2021. ———– Dear SEA community, Please join me in mourning the tragic loss of Professor Sarah Schuetze, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Sarah’s friendship and…

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In Memoriam: Annette Kolodny (1941-2019)

Annette Kolodny (1941-2019) Testimonials and Remembrances Messages from the SEA community upon hearing the sad news on the SEA listserv from Professor Sayre that Professor Annette Kolodny had passed away on September 11, 2019. ———– Prof. Annette Kolodny, an important founder of feminist scholarship in American Literature, of eco-feminism, and an influential voice in higher…

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In Memoriam: Frank Shuffelton (1940-2010)

Frank Shuffelton (1940-2010) Hello Colleagues, I am writing to share the sad news that Professor Frank Shuffelton passed away on March 4. While the University of Rochester release below outlines Frank’s considerable accomplishments in the academy, in print and in the classroom, I and no doubt many others will miss the intense and engaging late…

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In Memoriam: John C. Shields (1944-2017)

John C. Shields (1944-2017) I am sad to inform the early American community of the recent death of John C. Shields. When the formal obituary becomes available, I will forward it to the list. Meanwhile, here is some information I have put together about Prof. Shields’ many accomplishments. John C. Shields (1944-2017) was Distinguished Professor…

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In Memoriam: John Seelye (1931-2015)

John Seelye (1931-2015) One of our most creative, prolific, and witty scholars in Early American Literature, John Seelye, passed away on April 20th in Gainesville, Florida. He taught at Berkeley, UNC Chapel Hill, Connecticut, and Florida over his long career. I came to know his work when I read his two monographs Prophetic Waters: The…

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In Memoriam: Jeffrey H. Richards (1948-2011)

Jeffrey H. Richards (1948-2011) Messages from the SEA listserv upon hearing the sad news from Professor Long that Professor Jeffrey Richards had passed away on Monday, May 30, 2011. ——— May 31, 2011 SEA Members: It is with sorrow that I inform you of the death of Jeffrey Richards, professor of English at Old Dominion…

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In Memoriam: A. Franklin Parks II (1948-2014)

A. Franklin Parks II (1948-2014) November 22, 2014 Dear colleagues, This afternoon I learned the sad news from Eleanor Shevlin that our friend, Frank Parks, died suddenly at his home last weekend. I came to know Frank as a member of the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading, and Publishing and the American Society…

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What's New/Announcements

2026 EAL Book Prize Nominations Sought March 12, 2026

Early American Literature is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Book Prize! The EAL Book Prize is aw...

Call for Proposals: Society of Early Americanists 2027 Biennial Conference March 9, 2026

The Society of Early Americanists seeks submissions for its 2027 biennial conference, to be held in Chicago, M...

SEA Essay Contest Deadline Extended to February 6 January 15, 2026

The deadline for submission to the Biennial Essay Competition has been extended to February 6, 2026. Please s...

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