Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers, 1860-1960
A Sample Letter of Invitation to an Author for Writing an Entry
Date
Potential Author
Address
Dear Potential Author,
I am an editor for the Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers,
1860-1960, in preparation
by Thoemmes Press of Bristol, England. Would you consider composing the entry
for Famous Philosopher B? The entry would briefly recount B’s career and
explain B’s primary philosophical ideas and their influence. This entry for B
will be in the large category, from 2500 to 4000 words, containing a brief
bibliography of B’s writings and secondary literature. The compensation for an
entry this size is $150. The deadline can be somewhat flexible, falling between
October 2002 and April 2003.
All entries will follow this format:
1. The date and place of
birth and death; highlights of the subject’s education and family
background, training, jobs and posts held, etc.; a description of the subject's
career, including, if relevant, major posts held, important writings and other
works.
2. An assessment or analysis of the subject’s philosophical
doctrines and ideas, his/her importance for philosophy, both in his/her own time
and, if relevant, in the present day.
3. The Bibliography must follow a standard form. The first
section is a primary listing of the major works of the subject, arranged
chronologically. The name of the subject should not be given. The second
section, "Other Relevant Works," should include minor works by and
relating to the subject, also arranged chronologically. The third section,
"Further Reading," should include miscellaneous works used or
recommended, and should be arranged alphabetically by author surname (then
chronologically when two titles by the same author). If there is a
bibliographical source on the subject this should be cited as the first entry in
the Further Reading List. The bibliography is included in the total word count.
The Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers,
when published in 2004 in two or possibly three volumes, will be by far the most
extensive and detailed reference work on American philosophy ever produced. I
hope that you will be able to participate by writing an entry. Additional
information about this dictionary, the deadline for submission, and the entry
contents and style are available on request. The Dictionary also has a website
at www.pragmatism.org/dmap/ Please contact
me at ____ for further questions.
Sincerely yours,
Professor C
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