Show-Me State Times

The latest issue of "Leviathan: A Journal of Melville Studies," overseen by editor Samuel Yothers, has been recognized as the best special issue of the year. Released in the fall of 2023, the journal offers a range of content focusing on American novelist and poet Herman Melville. It includes articles, reviews, and creative writing, exploring topics such as environmental history, racial justice, westward expansion, and gender.

“We used this issue to connect Melville’s whale to environmental history, racial justice, westward expansion and gender,” Yothers mentioned. “The issue captures the spirit of public humanities with different kinds of pieces. It’s really affirming to receive this honor for this issue.”

The issue is available to read for free online at ProjectMUSE, made possible by Johns Hopkins University Press.

Samuel Yothers is also a member of the advisory board for "Public Humanities," a newly launched journal from Cambridge University Press. Yothers described "Public Humanities" as a platform aiming to bridge the gap between humanities and contemporary discussions. He said, “Public Humanities is an attempt to talk about the humanities and disciplines that can seem far removed from today’s conversations and make them more present and available to today’s audiences.” He added, “It’s an open-access journal and our goal is to publish pieces that are accessible for those who are curious and interested in historical and literary questions.”

Yothers emphasized reaching a broad audience while maintaining the depth of the topics covered. He said, “We want to address texts that are hundreds of years old in a way that speaks to the present times. It’s a mighty project.”

With a history of editing experience, Yothers has served as the editor of "Leviathan" for five years and was associate editor for six years before that. He also co-edited "Journeys: The International Journal of Travel and Travel Writing" for 14 years. Reflecting on his role in shaping a new journal, Yothers noted, “When you become the editor of a journal, you have discretion, but you also have a responsibility to the history and the procedures that predated you. Now I am a part of establishing traditions and getting the opportunity to offer strategic direction.”

Yothers relates his editorial responsibilities to his teaching role at Saint Louis University (SLU), sharing, “I get the chance to clarify and strengthen the work of the submitted authors. It is the benefit of an academic career that you can exercise different mental muscles by playing different roles at different times.”

In addition to his editorial work, Yothers edits the Camden House Press series "Literary Criticism in Perspective," co-edits the Melville Electronic Library, and is an associate editor for Melville’s Marginalia Online.