Two articles originally published in the 1970s are reprinted. The first argues that the American writer no longer knows what is expected of him and has difficulty engaging in conversation with the reader. The second examines the work and teaching of Joseph Brodsky, a Russian poet, while in the United States. (MSE)

Russian and Soviet studies specialists see long-term threats to the field's continuing strength with the sudden decline of private and public funding. Some potential problems are identified: narrowed language offerings, declining enrollments, and a history of politicization in Soviet studies. The use of Soviet emigres is advocated. (MLW)