As the new year breaks, we of course see it as a time of self-improvement. And so, with charming earnestness, declare the following goals for '05.
1) COMPLETE THE BIOGRAPHY OF JACK
A project long overdue. This will not, despite what critics claim, be merely a recital of facts. It will be a careful, scholarly examination of the writing and life of Jack, through what scraps are extant, and a piercing look at where the twain meet.
2) RESIST THE TEMPTATION FOR AD HOMINEM
Those who commit themselves to the project of criticial examination of one writer cannot but be troubled by his shortcomings. But we hope, earnestly, to keep ourselves restrained, and not to heap indignity upon Jack every time his prose is repetitive or his word-choices foolish. Lord knows, that would keep us damned busy.
