Paper proposals are invited that explore how the British people (broadly defined) have thought about their relationship with a society that has so many similarities but also so many differences from their own. From the mid-sixteenth century America has exerted a powerful influence over the thoughts of the British people and this conference will explore how the views of America have changed over the course of more than four centuries. Whatever the realities of American life, it is how the British perceived or ‘imagined’ America that is our focus and we are particularly interested in papers that will address themes through studies of race; gender; landscape; literature; music and the arts; sport; painting; photography; film; warfare; politics; and popular culture.

We plan to publish an edited collection based on the research presented at this conference, and we hope that all panellists would be willing to contribute to this.

Due to the generosity of the American Embassy we have two scholarships worth £750 each for US nationals coming from the USA. We hope to make these awards available to junior faculty members. We also have limited funds to assist with the travel expenses of junior scholars and graduate students based in the UK. For more information about these please contact the conference administrator.

The deadline for proposal submissions is December 31st 2004.

All enquires about this conference should be addressed to the conference administrator: