Call for Papers | Society of Early Americanists
American Literature Association | 37th Annual Conference | May 20–23, 2026 | Chicago, IL

Errand into the Wilderness at 70

Upon the 70th anniversary of his Errand into the Wilderness, this panel invites papers and presentations that offer critical examinations and new interpretations of work by the intellectual historian (and Chicago native) Perry Miller. Topics might include (but are not limited to):

• Miller’s intellectual “legacy” – the influence of his work on the historical trajectories of early American studies (and on American Studies as a scholarly discipline) – as well as the continued impact of his arguments on contemporary scholarship.
• Readings of early American texts that engage with Miller’s scholarship in prominent fashion.
• Critiques and/or criticisms of Miller’s work from theoretical or methodological perspectives.
• Biographical and/or archival work related to Miller and the milieu of mid-century Harvard.
• Contemporary readings/critiques of Miller’s foundational “epiphany” in the Congo.
• Pedagogical approaches to incorporating Miller’s work in classroom settings.

Proposals that focus on aspects of Errand into the Wilderness are particularly encouraged – but proposals on any/all facets of Miller’s work and/or his other publications are quite welcome.

Please send short abstracts (no more than 250 words) and brief bios to Joshua Bartlett at jcbartlett@gmail.com by Monday, January 26, 2026.