Regular readers of Weber Studies will note some significant changes in the Spring 1987 issue of the journal. One immediate reason for change is that beginning with this issue, there is a new editor. As a new instructor teaching a course that is not necessarily new in the syllabus might inevitably bring her own individual approach to the coursework, I will consciously or unconsciously imprint some of my own preferences on the journal. Second, some change is to be expected as a journal takes root and grows. Weber Studies, now in its fourth year of publication, has done well enough to venture into new and untried ground.

To begin with, we have decided to publish/ semi-annually (instead of annually) in spring and fall. Such a suggestion, at a time when Utah campuses of higher education are experiencing deep economic cuts, came after much deliberation on my part. We were given institutional approval. I would like to believe that an interdisciplinary humanities journal such as Weber Studies contributes, in its own special way, to the strategic planning initiative that came in the wake of the need to rethink the college's mission.

There are other changes too. To begin with, we have acquired an impressive editorial board. Our members, carefully selected for their varied expertise to cater to our interdisciplinary needs, come from campuses all over the Intermountain West and from beyond. I thank them here publicly for generously pledging their time and support. Members of our newly formed Advisory Board, also chosen for their individual strengths, come from within striking distance of the campus to facilitate caucusing when necessary. I thank them sincerely for their valuable suggestions in formulating policies and procedures as we take off in our ambitious venture to be of consequence in the publishing world of small academic periodicals. Other changes include a well-equipped, comfortable Weber Studies office in the Wattis Business Building; I thank Allen Simkins, Dean of Business, for this bounteous gift. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mark Biddle, Susan K. Lowery, and Trudy McMurrin for their willing and valuable help in getting this issue ready for the printer.

Beginning with this issue, Weber Studies will be indexed in three interdisciplinary indexes. Listings in others are sure to follow. The Library of Congress has assigned us our ISSN. We are ready to enter the market with a nominal annual subscription rate of $5.00 and a fine list of contributors.

Readers will be pleased to see Jan de Hartog's personal reminiscences of the Dutch Underground Theatre during World War II. This is the first time ever that the celebrated author has honed a speech for publication. Our awareness of the increasing importance of oral literature (speeches, interviews, and the like) in the process of documenting cultural and historical events is sure to add significance to our enjoyment of reading this piece. Other excellent articles, short stories, poems, essay review, and book review are sure to regale the readers. I am truly pleased to present this issue of Weber Studies.