LOCATION: European Society for the Study of English (ESSE)
10th Biennial Conference. Turin (Italy), 24-28 August 2010

Convenor: Prof. Francesca Saggini Boyle (University of Tuscia / University of Glasgow) E-mail: fsaggini@unitus.it
Co-convenor: Dr. Anna Enrichetta Soccio (University of Chieti) E-mail: esoccio@unich.it

The seminar will explore and theorise in diachronic and cross-disciplinary fashion (literature/culture/language) the flourishing of texts, myths, fictions and afterlives revolving around the cult and culture of the Author.

Proposals are sought in the following areas of investigation: portraits, photographs, and other forms of the visual commodification of Authorship (including paratextual materials); biopics, documentaries, and factional biographies; exhibitions, museums, literary societies, fandom, and websites; heritage sites, monuments, and literary tourism; celebrative artefacts, merchandise, toys, and collectible items; public and private events and their remediation (including weddings, funerals, family features, and gossip news). Contributions in the fields of the sociology of reading, cultural migrations, and the new area of celebrity culture studies are particularly welcome. Those wishing to participate in the Conference are invited to submit 200-word abstracts of their proposed papers before 31 January 2010. The convenors will let the proponents know whether their proposals have been accepted no later than 28 February 2010.