CALL FOR PAPER PROPOSALS
30th Ezra Pound International Conference
University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
27-30 June 2023
Ezra Pound and the Legacy of The Cantos
But the record
the palimpsest—
a little light
in great darkness—
(116/815)
The 30th Ezra Pound International Conference will be held Tuesday, 27 June–Friday, 30 June 2023 at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Established in 1583, the university became a chief intellectual centre during the Scottish Enlightenment and contributed to the city being nicknamed the “Athens of the North”. For the 30th EPIC, in addition to four days of sessions, panels, and plenary talks, other events being tentatively planned include walking tours in the old city and environs, visits to the National Library of Scotland and Galleries of Modern Art, and open-air poetry readings. Optional excursions to historical monuments, such as Stirling Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, and Melrose Abbey, are also planned during the conference. A one- or two-day excursion to the Scottish Highlands will be offered after the conference.
A century ago, Pound put together A Draft of XVI Cantos, the first installment of what he anticipated would be “an endless poem, of no known category… all about everything” (17 March 1917, Pound/Joyce 102). The text of the volume was ready by the end of November 1923 and published by Three Mountains Press in January 1925. Then, 50 years later, in 1972, New Directions published a corrected edition of The Cantos of Ezra Pound that in many respects remains the standard American edition we use today. In 1973, this edition was reissued, and the missing Italian Cantos were published for the first time in a separate volume. If we consider these milestones as the beginning and end of the composition and publication of The Cantos in its entirety, it is fair to ask where the poem stands at the start of its second century.
The EPIC Committee invites proposals for papers addressing any topic pertinent to Ezra Pound. The Committee especially encourages proposals on“The Legacy of The Cantos”: We invite papers on every aspect of the poem, from textuality to politics, languages to autobiography, factuality to occultism and magic. Thinking of legacy, we might further consider the impact of the poem on poetry and politics today; questions of publication history and new editions; reception and influence; media and digitalisation; poetics; globalism, geopolitics, regionalism. All these areas become relevant to looking into the future of Pound’s epic and how it will continue to be alive for its readers. The conference organizers for Edinburgh also welcome papers exploring Pound’s connections to Scotland, as these would offer excellent opportunities to delve into the legacy of his art and work in this part of the world.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 1 December 2022
If you are interested in giving a paper, please send a short proposal (250-400 words) (as Word Attachment or as email text). Please include your paper title, name(s) and affiliation(s), mailing address, and email address on the proposal. Presentations should be limited to 20 minutes delivery time (Max, 2500 words). Send proposals by email to John Gery: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Walter Baumann: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To submit by regular post, please send your proposal to: Professor John Gery, 30th EPIC, Department of English, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148 USA
If you wish not to propose a paper but receive information about Registration and conference details, please contact the Secretary John Gery, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
30th Ezra Pound International Conference
Ezra Pound and the Legacy of The Cantos
Committee:
Massimo Bacigalupo, University of Genoa
Walter Baumann, University of Ulster
Diana Collecott. University of Durham
John Gery, University of New Orleans (Secretary)
Alan Golding, University of Louisville
David Moody, University of York
Akitoshi Nagahata, Nagoya University
Viorica Patea, University of Salamanca
Roxana Preda, University of Edinburgh
Note: To fill in the registration form, copy it from this webpage and paste it into a Word document.
30TH EZRA POUND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
26 June-2 July 2023
REGISTRATION FORM
Please fill out this form and send by email attachment by 1 May 2023 to both This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by mail to John Gery, EPIC, Department of Language & Literature, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148-2315 USA.
Name(s):
Address: (Street)
(City, State, Country, Postal/Zip Code)
Affiliation (for Conference Program):
Email Address:
Early Registration by 1 May (Full fee after 1 May):
REQUIRED PAYMENT: Covers use of conference facilities at University of Edinburgh, Conference Presentations, City tour, National Library visit, two lunches, tea and coffee breaks, Wednesday Reception, Concert, Poetry Reading, and program materials.
No. of Persons: Payment Amount
___Participants: £100/$120/€113 (Full fee: £130/$155/€145) with or without paper _____
___Partners/Companions: £75/$90/€85/ (Full fee: £100/$120/€113) _____
___Graduate Students: £75/$90/€85/ (Full fee: £100/$120/€113) _____
OPTIONAL EVENTS/PAYMENTS:
No. of Persons:
___Mon, 26 June: Tour of the Royal Mile/Tour Times: ___10am ___12:30pm 0.00
___Mon, 26 June, 2:00-3:30 pm: Visit Modernist Coll., Scottish National Library 0.00
___Mon, 26 June, 7:00-10 pm: Pre-conference gathering, to be announced Cash Bar
___Tues, 27 June, 8:30 am-6:00 pm: Registration, Opening Plenary, Luncheon 0.00
___Tues, 27 June, 5:30 pm: Concert: Rummel/Pound Compositions: John Sweeney 0.00
___Wed, 28 June, 5:00-7:00 pm: Reception/Poetry Reading 0.00
___Thurs, 29 June, 1:30-7:00 pm: Trip to Abbotsford (Home of Walter Scott): (£32/$39/€36) ____
___Fri, 30 June, 7:00-10:00 pm: EPIC Reception/Banquet (£70/$84/€78 per person) ____
___Sun, 2 July, 1:00 pm: Post-EPIC Brunch/Luncheon in Edinburgh (TBD) Cash Bar
SUBTOTAL, page one: (Circle one: $ / € / £ ) ____
POST-EPIC EXCURSION (optional)
___Sat, 1 July, 8:00 am– 8:00 pm: One-day excursion from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, by Kelpies, Stirling and Wallace Monument, a brief stop at Kilmahog, a stop at historic Glencoe, and a drive by Great Glen pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, to Fort Augustus on Loch Ness (lunch). After a 50-minute boat trip on Loch Ness (included in price), the bus will return through Laggan, Blair, and Pitlochry to Edinburgh
Price per person ( £85/$102/€96) _____
GRAND TOTAL AMOUNT REMITTED (pp. 1-2): (Circle one: $ / € / £) _____
Please complete this Registration Form, including preferences for Optional Events, and send as an email attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
METHODS OF PAYMENT
Early Registration by 1 May (Full fee after 1 May)
The discounted early registration fee £100/$120/€113 (Graduate Students/Partners:
£75/$90/€85) due by 1 May 2023. (Full rate fees accepted 2 May–30 June 2023)
To pay directly to UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH:
Please go to this link and follow instructions:
1. Click on the link
2. Scroll down the opening page to see the conference fees
3. Click on one of the fees
4. The dinner and the excursions can now be ticked
5. Click on Confirm the items
6. Go to Basket
7. Register with your email address
8. Create a password
9. Follow directions for submitting payment.
Paying this way by credit card should not cost a separate fee, other than the conversion rate. [Note: The University of Edinburgh system of Registration requires that each person has to create a separate account, i.e. partners cannot be included with the participants, so each one attending needs to complete a separate payment]. If you need assistance with this method of payment, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To pay by PayPal: (Full rate fees accepted 2 May until 20 June 2023)
Please go to www.paypal.com to log in to your account. (If you don’t have an account, click “Sign Up,” choose “Personal Account,” and fill in the relevant details.) Then:
1. After you log in, you will be brought to your Account Summary screen (also accessible by going to https://www.paypal.com/myaccount/summary/). On the right side of the screen, click “Send.” In the field under “Send money to,” enter This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and click “Next.”
2. In the screen that pops up, please select “Sending to a friend” to avoid fees being assessed to the EPIC committee.
3. In the next screen, type in the dollar amount you are sending, click on “USD” in the drop-down menu below that, then scroll down and click “Continue.”
4. The next screen will ask how you want to pay, via the payment information you entered when you signed up for an account. If you're paying domestically, and using your own PayPal balance or bank account, you won't be charged a fee. If you're paying domestically, and using a credit or debit card, you will be charged a fee. If you're paying internationally, you will be charged a fee. Once you have chosen your method of payment, click “Next.”
5. This will bring you to the final screen, which will show you the amount of any fees to be assessed and give you the option to change your payment method. Once you've verified these details, click “Send Payment Now.” For PayPal's full fee breakdown, go to: https://www.paypal.com/en/webapps/mpp/paypal-fees.
To pay by check in dollars: Please mail a printed copy of the Registration Form together with a check or money order for the total amount in U.S. dollars made out to “Ezra Pound International Conference” (or “John Gery”) by 1 May 2023 (Full rate fees accepted until 20 June 2023) to:
John Gery/Ezra Pound International Conference
Department of Language & Literature
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA 70148-2315 USA
NOTE: However you pay, please make sure your name appears on your payment, so EPIC can identify it . If not, please send a copy of confirmed payment (as name appears on payment) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank You!
ARRIVING IN EDINBURGH
The conference will take place in the English Department of the University of Edinburgh, at 50 George Square.
If you fly to Edinburgh:
From the airport to the city, expect a 25-30 min travel time.
When you go out of arrivals, it will be at one of the doors shown on the map, but most likely at the one between points H and G; turn left and walk along the terminal building looking for the signs. You will see the stops for various busses on your right-hand side. Further right, you will see a tower with a car park.
By Bus – The bus you need to take you to Edinburgh city centre is called Airlink 100 (point A on the map) . You can buy your ticket on the bus from the driver, using your bank card or cash. The cost for a single ticket is £4.50. You can also purchase an open-ended return ticket for £7.50. Airlink will start from its stop at the airport every ten minutes and the ride will take approx. 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Its final stop will be opposite the Waverley Train Station.
By tram – Trams are highly visible once you reach the A point where the Airlink 100 bus stop is. They depart every 7 minutes, between 7am and 7pm, and every 15 minutes outwith these hours, with an end-to-end journey of just 30 minutes. A single fare will cost £6.50; the ticket will need to be purchased at the kiosk on the tram platform. See point 7 on the map.
The tram takes you right along Princes Street to Waverley Station. See the route here.
See tram ticket options here.
By taxi – In order to get to the East terminus taxi rank, you’ll have to walk under a covered passageway next to the trams platform, as shown on the map at point 3. The ride will take approximately 25 minutes to the city centre, and cost around £20-30.
If you come to Edinburgh BY TRAIN.
Edinburgh is very well connected to all parts of the UK. Trains to and from London and Glasgow run every half hour. The main railway station of Edinburgh, WAVERLEY STATION, is on Princes Street in the city centre. Taxis are available at the exits on Market Street and Waverley Bridge.
If you plan to come by train, it is advisable to buy your ticket well in advance, to ensure a better price. Book it on Trainline.
SIGHTSEEING IN EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH CASTLE
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh
Opening hours 9.30 – 18.00 (last entry 17.00)
It is recommended to set aside at least 2 hours to see the main attractions at Edinburgh Castle.
Book your ticket in advance to avoid the queues and ensure a better price.
Book tickets online here: Edinburgh Castle
PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE
This is the official royal residence in Edinburgh.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh
Opening hours; 9.30 – 18.30. Last admission: 16.30.
29 June – 7 July 2023 - Palace closed
Book tickets online here: Holyrood Palace
HOLYROOD PARK (ARTHUR'S SEAT)
Best route of access from 50 George Square is to go towards Pollock’s Halls and head straight for the hills. Then follow to the right, on Queen’s Drive up and around the hill. The walk will bring you to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament, at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
ART MUSEUMS
SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh
Opening hours: 10.00 – 17.00
Free entrance.
MODERN ONE
Address: 73 Belford Rd., Edinburgh
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00
Free entrance.
MODERN TWO
Address: 75 Belford Rd.
Opening hours: 10.00-17.00
Free entrance.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN (RBG)
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has two entrances:
West Gate on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ)
East Gate on Inverleith Row (EH3 5LP).
Bus: The West Gate (John Hope Gateway visitor centre) on Arboretum Place is served by Lothian Buses 29, 42 and 24 via Stockbridge and the Majestic Bus Tour (0131 220 0770). The Garden's East Gate entrance on Inverleith Row is served by bus routes 8, 23 and 27 from the City Centre.
From 50 George Square, the best links are bus 8 for the East Gate (stop: RBG Inverleith) and bus 29 (stop: Dean Park Street) for the West Gate.
Time to get there ca. 20-25 mins.
Note: Shop and café are near the West Gate. Bus stop is nearer at the East Gate.
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (last entry 5.15pm)
Entrance to the gardens is free.
ROSSLYN CHAPEL
Address: Roslin village
There is a regular bus service to and from Roslin village. From Edinburgh city centre, look for a Lothian Service 37 and check that it says ‘Penicuik/ Deanburn’ at the front of the bus (if in doubt, ask the driver!). The journey from the city centre will take around 45 to 60 minutes and there are stops on Princes Street (shop side) or North Bridge. The bus comes into Roslin village and the Chapel is just a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop at the Original Rosslyn Hotel.
The bus no 37 stop nearest 50 George Square is at Patrick Square. The bus stop to get off is Original Rosslyn Hotel. See bus 37 route here.
As the bus drive is rather long, a viable option would be to share a taxi. Book online.
Opening hours: 9.00-17.00. Last admission 15.30.
ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH
There is a wide variety of places to sleep in Edinburgh. Our conference site at 50 George Square is in the very heart of the Old Town, some 5 minutes' walk to Royal Mile. It is situated at the corner of a small square park that students use for lounging, enjoying the sun, having their lunches and conversing peripatetically. If they care to make a few extra steps, they will find themselves on the Meadows, where they can run, have picnics, bring the family for a Sunday brunch, play tennis and golf.
Websites to check for accommodation near 50 George Square:
This website lists hotels near the university and our conference site. Once you are on the hotel webpage, please change the standard dates of visit at the top to put in your personal ones. Pay attention to the distances given under the name of the hotel. Use the map feature in the upper left corner, to give you an orientation as to the placement of the hotel.
The webpage lists the very best places available near the university. If you see “Quartermile” in the description, be sure that what you will get is a luxury room at 5 minutes’ walk away from our conference site. To give you an idea, on the map above, "Residence Inn by Marriott" is in the Quartermile.
This website is very inclusive, as apart from hotel rooms, it lists apartments and hostel rooms to rent in a variety of price levels.
Our university service provider, Edinburgh First, manages three hotels near the university. Their main advantage is proximity to Arthur’s Seat, one of the most picturesque places in town. Walking distance from our conference site to Scott Hotel and Scholar Hotel is ca. 18 minutes. KM Hotels and Apartments is 6 minutes’ walk away.
See also the individual websites to each hotel managed by Edinburgh First:
Here you will find more affordable places to sleep, not far from our conference site. Looking at the map on the webpage, get an orientation by searching for the green square next to a larger green space. Our conference is in the upper corner of the green square.
This is the place to look for inexpensive places to sleep in Edinburgh. Pay particular attention to the distance from the hostel to our conference site. On the site of booking.com you will also find university rooms at very reasonable prices. These will be at the Pollock Halls, some 18 minutes' walking distance to our conference site.