paper trail

Dec 23, 2010 @ 9:00:00 am

Kevin Morrissey

The Virginia Quarterly Review has just published its Fall 2010 issue, closing a painful chapter in the magazine’s history. The issue is dedicated to managing editor Kevin Morrissey, who committed suicide on July 30th. A subsequent investigation by the University of Virginia cleared editor Ted Genoways of allegations of workplace bullying, though it became clear that the office had become unpleasant and unduly stressful, with the audit recommending “appropriate corrective action should be taken with regards to [Genoways]." The VQR’s remembrance of Morrissey notes his key role in the magazine’s recent success: “The quality of the magazine was what [Morrissey] took most pride in. He was absolutely devoted to VQR. An unassuming man, he did not seek personal attention or glory. But without him—and we’re not sure many people know this—VQR would not be the magazine it is today.”

A stellar literary line-up is throwing “The Most Literary Rent Party Ever” early next year to benefit author Charles Bock and his family, who are facing financial trouble as Charles’s wife Diana battles Leukemia. If you can’t make the party, you can still donate.

The London Review of Books’ personal ads have always been among our favorite features of the magazine; a window into the soul of lonely British intellectuals, written with wry wit and a dash of poignant longing (e.g. “Attractive 40 something F seeks solid, suited, salaried M. Fortunately I am none of these.”) We are dismayed to hear that the LRB is discontinuing the randy and droll personals and we agree with The Guardian’s John Sutherland, who makes the case that the section should not be dropped.

Do we spy writer and editor extraordinaire (and Bookforum contributor) Ed Park in the just-posted photos from Open City magazine’s holiday party? Indeed, Ed can be seen reading his work along with Alissa Quart, to a crowd that includes such luminaries as Edmund White, Colm Toibin, and Open City editors Thomas Beller and Joanna Yas.