A Tribute to Arthur F. Kinney

Abstract

I n his extraordinary fifty years as editor, Arthur F. Kinney has been the admired source of wisdom for English Literary Renaissance, working with managing editors and the editorial board to realize his initial vision of a journal publishing the best scholarship on early modern literary texts in relation to their readers and times. Generations of board members and scholars have benefited from his encyclopedic knowledge of the period; his appreciation for a vast range of texts, some well beyond common knowledge; his far-reaching network of colleagues; and his commitment to publishing original scholarship. Long a brilliant student of humanism, Arthur himself represents its best attributes, welcoming a copious and capacious array of essays, perspectives, and new research to the pages of the journal. Under Arthur’s stewardship, for instance, in the early 1980s ELR began publishing texts by early modern women writers, along with essays and “Recent Studies” by scholars in that burgeoning field. From the start, Arthur encouraged reviewers to write substantial, detailed editorial reports that assist authors to revise their work, a practice that has proved particularly supportive of early-career scholars. At board meetings, his genial presence at the head of the table has generated conversation, eased disagreements, and created a serious sense of purpose leavened by good humor. His long service, marked by a generous commitment of time, energy— and wisdom—continues to inspire the ELR community of scholars.