The publication of early witchcraft texts created witches by creating controversy about them. Witch-dramas, pamphlets, testimonies about witch-encounters, sermons, and accounts of trials published the anxieties, recounted the long standing suspicions, and sensationalised the physical manifestations that made women into witches. Sometimes accompanied by woodcuts, many texts insisted on the reality, materiality, and immediacy of witches and their familiars. In these, the early modern witch was represented as both a perpetrator of violence and the victim of it. The early modern witch is a fascinating enigma: a legal entity and a neighbourhood resource or nuisance, she purportedly engaged in natural and supernatural forms of wisdom with the potential to heal or harm others, or even herself. The words she spoke, mumbled could become malefic by intent, if not by content. According to the sensationalist constructions of witchcraft, her body was contaminated by the magics she used: she fed familiars with blood, grew spare parts, could not weep, and would not sink. In accounts focused on bewitchment and possessions, the witch vomited pins or personified pollution and a culturally legitimate cunning-person such as a physician or minister or exorcist acted as curative. Despite the skepticism about witches that followed Reginald Scot’s assertions and the decline of legal examinations trials, the early modern witch has remained a vital force in the cultural imagination. Witchcraft remain the focus of academic articles, scholarly volumes, digital resources, archaeological digs, children's and teenage fiction, popular media and museum studies.
This issue of Preternature, in association with the “Capturing Witches” conference, invites contributions from any discipline that highlight the cultural, literary, religious, or historical significance of the early modern witch. Contributions should be roughly 8,000 - 12,000 words, including all documentation and critical apparatus, and adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition (style 1, employing endnotes).
Contributions must be submitted through the Preternature CMS. Deadline for final submissions is November 30, 2012.
Queries about journal scope and submissions can be made to the Editor, Dr. Kirsten C. Uszkalo. Queries concerning books to be reviewed can be made to the Book Reviews Editor, Dr. Richard Raiswell.
Queries concerning this special volume can be sent to Professor Alison Findlay (a.g.findlay@lancaster.ac.uk) and Dr. Liz Oakley-Brown (e.oakley-brown@lancaster.ac.uk).
Full journal style guides are available at http://preternature.org. Information on the early English witch can be found at the WEME project at http://witching.org.
Details on the “Capturing Witches” conference can be found at http://www.transculturalwriting.com/?page_id=1535
Preternature is a bi-annual publication, published through Penn State Press, and available in print or electronically through JSTOR, Project Muse, and as a Kindle e- book.
Negotiating Early Modern Women
Early Modern Research Centre, University of Reading, UK
Early Modern Studies Conference July 12th-14th 2012
A series of panels within Reading University’s Early Modern Studies Conference (2012) will be devoted to the exploration of writing by early modern women. We would welcome proposals for panels or individual papers addressing any aspect of early modern women’s writing, but we are particularly keen to receive proposals addressing the critical assumptions underlying current scholarly practice.
Topics may include but are not limited to:
Proposals for panels should consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of four papers. Each panel proposal should contain the names of the session chair, the names and affiliations of the speakers and short abstracts (200 word abstracts) of the papers together with email contacts for all participants. A proposal for an individual paper should consist of a 200 word abstract of the paper with brief details of affiliation and career.
Proposals for either papers or panels should be sent by email to Dr. Alice Eardley by January 31st 2012: a.r.eardley@reading.ac.uk
For further details see: http://www.reading.ac.uk/emrc/conferences/emrc-conference.aspx
Early Modern Studies Conference July 12th-14th 2012
A series of panels within Reading University’s Early Modern Studies Conference (2012) will be devoted to the exploration of writing by early modern women. We would welcome proposals for panels or individual papers addressing any aspect of early modern women’s writing, but we are particularly keen to receive proposals addressing the critical assumptions underlying current scholarly practice.
Topics may include but are not limited to:
- Why do we study writing by early modern women?
- Can we justify the study of ‘women’ as a category?
- Is there such a thing as ‘women’s writing’?
- What can the work of individual women, or specific groups of women, reveal about women and gender in the period more generally?
- How do we understand the relationship between writing by men and that by women?
- What does women’s writing reveal about the early modern canon as a whole?
- Is it possible to reach conclusions about women and their use of literary genre?
- What new directions might we take in the study of early modern women?
- What, currently, is the place of theory in the study of early modern women?
Proposals for panels should consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of four papers. Each panel proposal should contain the names of the session chair, the names and affiliations of the speakers and short abstracts (200 word abstracts) of the papers together with email contacts for all participants. A proposal for an individual paper should consist of a 200 word abstract of the paper with brief details of affiliation and career.
Proposals for either papers or panels should be sent by email to Dr. Alice Eardley by January 31st 2012: a.r.eardley@reading.ac.uk
For further details see: http://www.reading.ac.uk/emrc/conferences/emrc-conference.aspx
EMRC: Annual Conference
University of Reading Reading Conference in Early Modern Studies, 12-14 July 2012
The Reading Early Modern Conference continues to establish itself as the place where early modernists meet each July for stimulation, conversation and debate. As in previous years, proposals of individual papers and panels are invited on research in any aspect of early modern studies relating to Britain, Europe and the wider world. This year, the plenary speakers are Professor Paul Yachnin (McGill), director of the ‘Making Publics’ project, and Professor John Morrill (Cambridge).
We would welcome proposals for individual papers and panels on any aspect of early modern literature, history, art, music and culture. Panels have been proposed on the following themes and further panels or individual papers are also invited on these topics or any other aspect of early modern studies:
• Making publics • Gathered texts: print and manuscript • Politics and Biblical Interpretation • Negotiating early modern women’s writing • Passionate bodies, passionate minds • Prince Henry: role, rite, and rhetoric
Proposals for panels should consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of four papers. Each panel proposal should contain the names of the session chair, the names and affiliations of the speakers and short abstracts (200 word abstracts) of the papers together with email contacts for all participants. A proposal for an individual paper should consist of a 200 word abstract of the paper with brief details of affiliation and career.
Proposals for either papers or panels should be sent by email to the chairman of the Conference Committee, Dr. Chloë Houston, by 9 January 2012, c.houston@reading.ac.uk.
Proposals are especially welcome from postgraduates. The conference hopes to make some money available for postgraduate bursaries. Anyone for whom some financial assistance is a sine qua non for their attendance should mention this when submitting their proposal.
The Reading Early Modern Conference continues to establish itself as the place where early modernists meet each July for stimulation, conversation and debate. As in previous years, proposals of individual papers and panels are invited on research in any aspect of early modern studies relating to Britain, Europe and the wider world. This year, the plenary speakers are Professor Paul Yachnin (McGill), director of the ‘Making Publics’ project, and Professor John Morrill (Cambridge).
We would welcome proposals for individual papers and panels on any aspect of early modern literature, history, art, music and culture. Panels have been proposed on the following themes and further panels or individual papers are also invited on these topics or any other aspect of early modern studies:
• Making publics • Gathered texts: print and manuscript • Politics and Biblical Interpretation • Negotiating early modern women’s writing • Passionate bodies, passionate minds • Prince Henry: role, rite, and rhetoric
Proposals for panels should consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of four papers. Each panel proposal should contain the names of the session chair, the names and affiliations of the speakers and short abstracts (200 word abstracts) of the papers together with email contacts for all participants. A proposal for an individual paper should consist of a 200 word abstract of the paper with brief details of affiliation and career.
Proposals for either papers or panels should be sent by email to the chairman of the Conference Committee, Dr. Chloë Houston, by 9 January 2012, c.houston@reading.ac.uk.
Proposals are especially welcome from postgraduates. The conference hopes to make some money available for postgraduate bursaries. Anyone for whom some financial assistance is a sine qua non for their attendance should mention this when submitting their proposal.
Call for Papers: The Reception of Newton
At the Edward Worth Library, Dublin
12-13 July 2012
Information and Registration: eaboran@tcd.ie
Theme:
In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the elucidation of the precise nature and scope of Newton’s influence on eighteenth-century science in particular, and on Enlightenment culture more generally. The Edward Worth Library is uniquely positioned to contribute to ongoing reassessment. An early eighteenth century library belonging to a Dublin physician, Edward Worth (1678-1733), the Library and its holdings bears witness to the spread of newtonianism in Ireland. Worth’s collection reminds us of the range and depth of the newtonian impact on Europe and the crucial role played by second generation newtonians in clarifying, classifying and re-presenting Newton’s ideas. To mark Dublin City of Science 2012 the Worth Library is organising a two-day conference to explore the many facets of Newton’s legacy. It is envisaged that a selection of the papers will be published.
Speakers include: Professor Mordechai Feingold (Caltech); Professor Sarah Hutton (Aberystwyth University); Professor Robert Iliffe (University of Sussex); Dr Scott Mandelbrote (Peterhouse College, Cambridge); Professor William Newman (Indiana); and Professor Lawrence M. Principe (Johns Hopkins University).
Abstracts of 300 words and a short author profile should be sent to Dr Elizabethanne Boran (eaboran@tcd.ie) no later than 1 March 2012. Independent scholars and researchers from all disciplines are welcome. Accommodation and registration costs will be covered and a small number of travel bursaries are available.
Organisers: Dr Elizabethanne Boran, Librarian, The Edward Worth Library, Dublin.
Professor Mordechai Feingold (Caltech).
This is a partner conference of Dublin City of Science 2012.
www.edwardworthlibrary.ie
12-13 July 2012
Information and Registration: eaboran@tcd.ie
Theme:
In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the elucidation of the precise nature and scope of Newton’s influence on eighteenth-century science in particular, and on Enlightenment culture more generally. The Edward Worth Library is uniquely positioned to contribute to ongoing reassessment. An early eighteenth century library belonging to a Dublin physician, Edward Worth (1678-1733), the Library and its holdings bears witness to the spread of newtonianism in Ireland. Worth’s collection reminds us of the range and depth of the newtonian impact on Europe and the crucial role played by second generation newtonians in clarifying, classifying and re-presenting Newton’s ideas. To mark Dublin City of Science 2012 the Worth Library is organising a two-day conference to explore the many facets of Newton’s legacy. It is envisaged that a selection of the papers will be published.
Speakers include: Professor Mordechai Feingold (Caltech); Professor Sarah Hutton (Aberystwyth University); Professor Robert Iliffe (University of Sussex); Dr Scott Mandelbrote (Peterhouse College, Cambridge); Professor William Newman (Indiana); and Professor Lawrence M. Principe (Johns Hopkins University).
Abstracts of 300 words and a short author profile should be sent to Dr Elizabethanne Boran (eaboran@tcd.ie) no later than 1 March 2012. Independent scholars and researchers from all disciplines are welcome. Accommodation and registration costs will be covered and a small number of travel bursaries are available.
Organisers: Dr Elizabethanne Boran, Librarian, The Edward Worth Library, Dublin.
Professor Mordechai Feingold (Caltech).
This is a partner conference of Dublin City of Science 2012.
www.edwardworthlibrary.ie
Society For Renaissance Studies: Biennial Conference
The 5th Biennial conference of the Society for Renaissance Studies will be held at the University of Manchester, UK, July 9-11, 2012
Accompanying events are being planned in the Whitworth Gallery, Chetham's Library, the John Rylands Library, the People's History Museum, the Royal Northern College of Music, and other cultural institutions in the city.
In addition to scholarly papers, the conference will offer workshops on publishing, funding applications, teaching, and public engagement, as well as tours of libraries.
Accompanying events are being planned in the Whitworth Gallery, Chetham's Library, the John Rylands Library, the People's History Museum, the Royal Northern College of Music, and other cultural institutions in the city.
In addition to scholarly papers, the conference will offer workshops on publishing, funding applications, teaching, and public engagement, as well as tours of libraries.
Plenary Speakers
Roger Chartier (École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris/ Collège de France/ University of Pennsylvania)
Roger Chartier (École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris/ Collège de France/ University of Pennsylvania)
Alan Stewart (Columbia University)
Bette Talvacchia (Connecticut University)
Call For Papers
We invite proposals for panels on any aspect of Renaissance history, art, literature or culture, and for individual papers on one of the following themes:
* Materiality, book history and textual culture
* Premodern gender and histories of sexuality
* Emotion and the senses
* Translation and/ or intercultural exchange
* Cities, topographies, urbanisation and visualising the urban
* Athleticism, competition, and the body
* Science and enquiry
* In addition there is an open strand
The 'Renaissance' will be broadly defined from the mid-1300s to the early 1700s (and globally understood), but papers that engage with questions of periodisation, disciplinarity and the later representation of this period are also welcomed (seehttp://www.rensoc.org.uk/SRSAboutUsPage.html).
Proposals (paper: 400 words, panel: 1000 words) are welcome from postgraduates as well as established scholars and they should be sent by Friday 16 September 2011 to the conference organizer (decisions on papers to be made by the end of October):
Dr Jerome de Groot
English and American Studies
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
United Kingdom
SRS2012@manchester.ac.uk
http://www.arts.manchester.ac.uk/srsnc/
Society for Renaissance Studies Biennial Conference
Further details (including a full programme, registration forms and information about accommodation) will be posted on the conference website as soon as they become available.
Please note that the Society is particularly keen to encourage postgraduates to offer papers, and we will be able to offer some bursaries to cover registration and accommodation expenses. Details on bursaries to follow on the conference website.
Please note that the SRS has agreed with the Renaissance Society of America: RSA members will not have to join the SRS to participate in this conference.
Call For Papers
We invite proposals for panels on any aspect of Renaissance history, art, literature or culture, and for individual papers on one of the following themes:
* Materiality, book history and textual culture
* Premodern gender and histories of sexuality
* Emotion and the senses
* Translation and/ or intercultural exchange
* Cities, topographies, urbanisation and visualising the urban
* Athleticism, competition, and the body
* Science and enquiry
* In addition there is an open strand
The 'Renaissance' will be broadly defined from the mid-1300s to the early 1700s (and globally understood), but papers that engage with questions of periodisation, disciplinarity and the later representation of this period are also welcomed (seehttp://www.rensoc.org.uk/SRSAboutUsPage.html).
Proposals (paper: 400 words, panel: 1000 words) are welcome from postgraduates as well as established scholars and they should be sent by Friday 16 September 2011 to the conference organizer (decisions on papers to be made by the end of October):
Dr Jerome de Groot
English and American Studies
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
United Kingdom
SRS2012@manchester.ac.uk
http://www.arts.manchester.ac.uk/srsnc/
Society for Renaissance Studies Biennial Conference
Further details (including a full programme, registration forms and information about accommodation) will be posted on the conference website as soon as they become available.
Please note that the Society is particularly keen to encourage postgraduates to offer papers, and we will be able to offer some bursaries to cover registration and accommodation expenses. Details on bursaries to follow on the conference website.
Please note that the SRS has agreed with the Renaissance Society of America: RSA members will not have to join the SRS to participate in this conference.
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