Obviously, British interest; in American studies is not something which began during the Second World War and matured rapidly after 1945. Yet, no doubt because of post-1945 enthusiasm for American studies in many parts of Great Britain, such an impression has often been engendered – sometimes, indeed, unwittingly by those who ought to know better. It is partly with the object of correcting such an impression that fche Bulletin hopes to publish, from time to time, revaluations of pioneering British works on American subjects. There are at least three other good reasons for attempting a series of this kind: it might help to stimulate British students of American subjects to explore the traditions within which they are working; it could draw attention to neglected but significant British writings on American themes; and it might well produce some articles which are interesting in their own right.