This volume investigates the intersection of contemporary creative expression and critical analysis within the landscape of late 20th-century American letters. The editors, representing the academic and literary rigor of The Kenyon Review, curate a collection of essays, poetry, and prose that examine the shifting boundaries of artistic form and cultural discourse. By synthesizing diverse voices, the publication provides a snapshot of the intellectual climate prevalent in the winter of 1987.

The content reflects the established academic tradition of The Kenyon Review, prioritizing formal analysis and high-level literary critique. The scope suggests a dense, specialist text intended for scholars, writers, and readers engaged with the evolution of modern literary criticism.