New Literary History
Ralph Cohen launched New Literary History in 1969 during the University of Virginia Sesquicentennial Celebration. He created the journal because no English literary publication existed that focused on critical theory or reexamined literary history at that time. Cohen stated his aim was to move against the prevailing critical current of the era. The new periodical sought to inquire into the theoretical bases of practical criticism rather than just applying it. It intended to reexamine how past works related to present critical and theoretical needs. This founding moment established a platform for questions about interpretation that had been largely ignored.
New Literary History publishes essays dealing with the nature of literary theory and the aims of literature itself. The content covers hermeneutics, the reading process, and the relation of linguistics to literature. Articles explore literary change, value, definitions of periods, and the evolution of styles and genres. The journal also accepts articles from other disciplines that help interpret problems of literary history or study. This broad scope expanded concerns beyond the close reading of individual texts characteristic of New Criticism. It introduced methodologies from continental Europe to British and American
scholars seeking new approaches.
Wolfgang Iser described the journal as attempting to bring Anglo-American criticism into a close interrelationship with Continental approaches. This effort gave New Literary History a unique profile among academic publications of its time. The periodical served as a conduit connecting European theoretical methods with English-speaking scholarship. Before this bridge existed, many British and American scholars lacked access to these specific continental methodologies. The journal facilitated a dialogue between distinct traditions in literary studies. This cross-cultural exchange became central to the publication's identity and influence.
The Council of Editors of Learned
Journals has awarded New Literary History six times for its contributions. These honors recognize the journal's impact on the field of literary theory and interpretation. Such recognition highlights the publication's standing within international academic communities. The awards reflect years of consistent quality and innovative content published by Johns Hopkins University Press. International influence grew alongside these accolades as more scholars engaged with the material. The repeated acknowledgments demonstrate sustained excellence rather than fleeting popularity.
In 2001, New Literary History became the first English-language literary
journal printed annually in Chinese. A selection of essays from the publication was translated and released each year for Chinese readers. This milestone marked a significant expansion of the journal's reach beyond Western audiences. The annual translation initiative allowed non-English speakers to engage directly with the theoretical debates presented in the original text. It represented a concrete step toward globalizing the conversation about literary history and interpretation. No other English-language literary journal had achieved this level of regular translation into
another language before that date.
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Common questions
When was New Literary History launched and by whom?
Ralph Cohen launched New Literary History in 1969 during the University of Virginia Sesquicentennial Celebration. He created the journal because no English literary publication existed that focused on critical theory or reexamined literary history at that time.
What is the scope of articles published in New Literary History?
New Literary History publishes essays dealing with the nature of literary theory and the aims of literature itself. The content covers hermeneutics, the reading process, and the relation of linguistics to literature while accepting articles from other disciplines that help interpret problems of literary history or study.
How did Wolfgang Iser describe the role of New Literary History?
Wolfgang Iser described the journal as attempting to bring Anglo-American criticism into a close interrelationship with Continental approaches. This effort gave New Literary History a unique profile among academic publications of its time by serving as a conduit connecting European theoretical methods with English-speaking scholarship.
How many times has the Council of Editors of Learned Journals awarded New Literary History?
The Council of Editors of Learned Journals has awarded New Literary History six times for its contributions. These honors recognize the journal's impact on the field of literary theory and interpretation alongside years of consistent quality and innovative content published by Johns Hopkins University Press.
When did New Literary History become available in Chinese annually?
In 2001, New Literary History became the first English-language literary journal printed annually in Chinese. A selection of essays from the publication was translated and released each year for Chinese readers to allow non-English speakers to engage directly with the theoretical debates presented in the original text.