The first president’s greetings in the first issue of the Henry James Journal of Korea substitutes the history of the society.

Greetings

Studies of English and American literature in Korea are taking its direction centered on the small societies. Those who are interested in a particular field or a specific artist strengthen mutual academic ties and actively participate in research activities. Henry James scholars also launched the Henry James Society of Korea three years ago. Now, some of the results of the research by members have been published here as periodical publications of the society. I would like to share with all members interested in James Literature to celebrate the publication of the "Henry James Studies."

James, who has been especially grateful for England and the US in providing the position of masters in his country's literary history, has not been greatly treated in our country; however, there was very little opportunity for his work to be read at the university pulpit. Only American writers since the World War II, which once dominated popularity as fashion, have occupied an academic territory because James might have been an obscure writer.

Now, however, students of English and American literature enjoying James’s works have been taught a new way of life. First of all, the so-called "James Boom" in Korea has become more inclined to strive for academic research. As a result, I often hear good news that James's works are included in not only graduate school but also lectures on English and American novels. I am sincerely welcomed.

Nonetheless, there is something missing as we release this book. Once again, it reminds me of the life of Professor Jang Wangrok. Because of the extraordinary effort of Professor Jang who was filled with the passion of the former professor, our society was founded and all the James researchers gathered to carry out this big cause.

In the middle of May 1984, I was asked to cooperate with the establishment of the James Society in Korea by telephone interview with Professor Leon Edel of the University of Hawaii on my way back to my home country after returning from my studies at Western Michigan University. However, Professor Edel's ability was also limited due to his age. So, with Professor Jang, the possibility of actual achievement has been broken by the desire to realize the dream of establishing the society all the time.

In the meantime, ten years later, the “Train of Desire” finally arrived at its destination. It was thanks to the power of the excellent teaching ability of Professor Jang. His great and high academics reminded us of our academic attitude, so we keep the gratitude in the way and pray for good luck.

The publication of this book despite the history of an academic society is thanks to the publication support provided by president Kang Shinyong of Munkyeong Publishing Company. I am most grateful to the understanding and cooperation of Mr. Kang, a sincere and competent poet, and to the hard work of the staff who worked hard in the heat. I also send the highest praise to the contributors who allowed me to publish wonderful papers. The congratulatory address given by Professor Paul Armstrong of the US is also appreciated as the honor of our society. I promise you that the society will make an eternal advancement to members who have not tackled all kinds of difficulties for their own development and improvement.

I believe that this book will make a great contribution to the spectacular academic and human future for our brilliant systematic development of our society.



August 8, 1996 Kee Han Youn, President