The Voyage Out, the International Society for Travel Writing 4th Biennial Conference, seeks proposals for panels and 20-minute papers from scholars working in all areas of travel writing, including literary studies, history, sociology, anthropology, indigenous studies, political science, American studies, environmental studies, and media studies. ISTW is an interdisciplinary group whose members study all aspects of traveling, tourism, and the journey. Papers are sought on topics addressing the literature of travel, exploration, discovery, and adventure from the ancient period to the present, as well as written and visual travel documents such as guidebooks, postcards, and photographs. In keeping with this year’s theme, we especially welcome studies of nautical writing, including, but not limited to, tales of whaling ships and battleships; ports of call; sea captain’s memoirs; travelers on rivers and the Great Lakes; voyageurs; and painters of seascapes. Please forward 300 word abstracts, including title, professional affiliation, addresses (especially e-mail), phone number, and AV requirements, by June 1, 2004. Electronic submissions are highly encouraged. Notification of acceptance of your paper will be sent no later than August 1, 2004. Papers should be delivered in English. Overhead projectors will be supplied by the conference; there is a substantial charge to individual participants requesting slide projectors, VCR / monitor, and computer display packages.

Edited conference proceedings: A selection of refereed papers from the conference is sought for publication. Scholars interested in being considered for this volume should supply two hard copies of their submission and an electronic copy on a 3.5" floppy disk in MS Word. Manuscripts should be handed in at the registration desk upon arrival. Please follow current MLA format, not exceeding twenty double spaced pages.