Ted Genoways (front) with Andy Bassich (left) and Jesse Dukes (right) as they survey the Yukon River. Photo by Ross McDermott
Heir Apparent of Ink
Ted Genoways and the VQR
Ted Genoways became the editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review in 2003. Since then, the VQR has received three National Magazine Awards—for general excellence, fiction and single-topic issue—and 15 nominations from the American Society of Magazine Editors. This year, it won the Utne Independent Press Awards prize for general excellence.
The VQR was the brainchild of U.Va. president Edwin Alderman, who conceived of it as “an organ of liberal opinion … solidly based, thoughtfully and wisely managed and controlled, not seeking to give news, but to become a great serious publication wherein shall be reflected the calm thought of the best men.” Since its inaugural issue in 1925, the VQR has published essays, fiction and poems by writers as illustrious and diverse as Eleanor Roosevelt, Bertrand Russell, Katherine Anne Porter and Robert Penn Warren.
Since taking the helm, Genoways has continued the VQR’s tradition of deeply considered and socially relevant journalism, while bringing an edgy visual sensibility to the fore: the newer issues of VQR feature photography, art, comics and even pullout posters. “The magazine is so (comparatively) heavily designed [because] … we’re a bunch of booklovers, typophiles and out-and-out design nerds,” says Genoways.
While he was a graduate student, Genoways approached revered VQR editor Staige Blackford (Col ’52) about becoming an intern and was turned down. The rejection inspired him to collaborate with poet and faculty member Lisa Russ Spaar (Col ’78, Grad ’82) to found the literary magazine Meridian, which continues to be published semiannually by student editors in U.Va.’s Creative Writing Program.
Genoways is the author of two books of poetry and the nonfiction book Walt Whitman and the Civil War.
An aerial view of ice left by the flood among several damaged buildings.
Inhabitants of Eagle consider what is left of their town.
A view of the Yukon River valley from land where houses once stood.
Listen
Studio 360 radio story about Genoways’ return to Eagle
Comments
This is a beautiful article, pictures and prose. It captures the impact of natural disaster on a scale smaller than Katrina, but more intimate because of its scale and scope. Great story. Thanks.
Love it! Who wouldn't with writing and photography like that. I almost see myself as Anna.
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