Volleys edited by J. R. (Tim) Struthers Much of the criticism of Canadian literature, JOHN METCALF informs us, does not take into account the details of form, style, technique, and language that writers obviously cherish. Instead, most critics insist on reading literature--distorting it, undervaluing it, undermining it--by placing it in some kind of journalistic, sociological, historical, political, or religious framework.

SAM SOLECKI, whose puckish and probing essay on John Metcalf's criticism, "Some Kicks Against the Prick," elicited Metcalf's reassessment of the idea of a literary tradition in What Is A Canadian Literature? as well as Metcalf's apologia for the short story here in "Dear Sam," argues in a new afterword to his essay that "Metcalf's view of a Canadian literature is, in its own way, as limited as the narrowly nationalistic version he attacks" and that "Any serious discussion of the Canadian tradition in literature will need to include both."

Substance versus style? Metcalf also brings into this debate W.J. KEITH, who, in "A Dream of Laöcoon," takes exception to certain statements by Solecki and Metcalf, agrees with others, and develops an independent stance. What is most pressing for Keith , and for us, is how Metcalf and Solecki have been "courageous enough to raise highly controversial issues which most modern literary commentators (especially academics) prefer to side-step."

Porcupine's Quill books are printed on acid-free Zephyr Antique laid paper.
The sheets are folded and sewn into signatures in the traditional manner.

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