Half-Century of Faulkner Study: Celebratory Conference Kicks Off

Oxford, known to be the home town of the eminent author, William Faulkner, is ready to host the 50th Annual Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference. The conference, which is set to take place from July 21 to 25 at the University of Mississippi, has garnered attention from Faulkner enthusiasts worldwide, with expectant participants hailing from as far as France, Japan, and Kazakhstan.

A Long-Standing Tradition

Inaugurated in 1974 by a community passionate about Faulkner’s work, the conference is now in its 50th year. According to Jay Watson, conference director and Howry Professor of Faulkner Studies, “this is the longest continually running conference dedicated to an American writer.” The organizers aim to rejuvenate interest in Faulkner’s work and foster an understanding of the unique challenges inherent in its reading.

A Wide Range of Topics

Unlike previous iterations which adhered to a specific theme or perspective, this conference possesses an open-ended approach to its subject matter. The 2024 conference is set to be twice as large as usual, enabling scholars to analyze Faulkner’s work from numerous angles.

Anniversaries and Milestones

Themed “Anniversaries,” the conference additionally marks several milestones, including:

• The centennial of Faulkner’s first published book, “The Marble Faun”
• The 75th anniversary of his collection of mysteries, “Knight’s Gambit”
• The half-century mark since the release of Faulkner’s authorized biography

From Inception to Institution

Annapolis Abadie, an associate director emerita of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, was amongst the team which coordinated the first conference. She recalls its inception as a humble idea following the University’s acquisition of Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak, in 1972. The initial plan was to host a single event to accommodate the numerous visitors that frequented the historic site with their multitude of questions.

Unprecedented Success

The response to their advertisement in The New York Times was overwhelming, with interest pouring in from across the globe. Its success led to a second week being added to the event to accommodate a flood of participants. Although initially intended to be a one-off event, the positive reception and clamor for more led to it becoming an annual tradition.

Faulkner’s Enduring Allure

Even after five decades of study, Faulkner continues to captivate both new and seasoned readers alike, making him a key figure of study in modern literature. As Watson remarks, “in some ways, Faulkner may have been the most important contemporary author in giving authors permission to talk about place.”