See Also: Drifting Encyclopedia History
A Letter from Caroline WilliamsChairperson of The Fund for the Drifting EncyclopediaHello
and welcome to the new virtual home of the Drifting Encyclopedia! I
speak for myself, my family, and the board of the Fund when I say that
we are thrilled to embark on the next stage of the Encyclopedia’s
journey.
Since 1947 the Drifting Encyclopedia has been a
book full of wonder. More than simply literary cabinet of
curiosities, the Encyclopedia speaks to the impossible possibilities of
America. I fondly remember my grandfather, James Williams,
telling me tall-tales and describing bizarre historical events when I
was a child. I am so happy that I can now be a part of sharing
some of his life work with the public.
And of course, we are
overjoyed to have found Mr. Zach Morris, an artist of many talents
whose vision is perfectly in line with that of my grandfather’s. I can
think of nothing more appropriate than having an artist who’s pieces
are described as “blurring the lines between truth and fabrication” and
who works in the mediums of dance, art, writing, and video and to take
on the mantle of completely reimagining the Encyclopedia for the 21st
century.
While most of the printed copies of the Encyclopedia
have been lost to time or tragedy, we look forward to begin building it
anew. I’m excited about the new direction Mr. Morris and his
collaborators plan to take the Encyclopedia and it’s contents.
Armed with archival copies of the original four editions and with a
trunk full of my grandfather’s clippings and collections, Morris plans
to reinterpret specific sections of the Drifting Encyclopedia, this
time, in “an unfolding multi-layered, interconnected, digital
landscape” that surely would have made my grandfather smile.
Please check back often, as always the Drifting Encyclopedia is an ever-changing and ongoing endeavor.
Very truly yours,
Caroline Williams
