The Journal of the West is seeking manuscripts for a special edition focusing upon the post Cold War Western film. Hollywood’s depiction of the American West has received considerable scrutiny by critics and scholars during the silent era, depression, World War II, and the Cold War. The post Cold War Western genre, however, is the recipient of far less scholarly attention. The popular and commercial success of films such as Brokeback Mountain, Open Range, 3:10 to Yuma, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Bob Ford, and the HBO production Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee suggest that recent Western cinema is worthy of serious scholarship and writing. Essays for this special edition should consider 9/11, terrorism, the war in Iraq, and the impact of the New Western History as well as cultural studies dealing with race, gender, and class upon the Western genre.

The Journal of the West is geared for a general reading audience as well as scholars interested in Western history rather than film theorists. Proposed articles should be in the range of 15 to 20 double-spaced pages with citations acceptable in either MLA or Chicago styles. Inquiries for this edition should be addressed to Ron Briley (Sandia Preparatory School in Albuquerque, New Mexico) at rbriley@sandiaprep.org

Manuscripts should be submitted electronically and would be due by no later than June 1, 2008.