October 24, 2023
Dear members of the Sewanee Community,
George Core, the longest-serving editor of the oldest continuously published literary quarterly in the nation, the Sewanee Review, passed away on Oct. 14, 2023. George’s contributions to the advancement of American literature are known throughout the world, and his influence on writers of the past half-century is beyond measure. His obituary provides a thoughtful retrospective on George’s life and work as a scholar, writer, and editor.
On a personal note, George became a dear friend to me during the many afternoons a small group of us—the “Red Army”—spent together visiting our mutual friend and mentor Robert “Red” Lancaster, former dean of the College. Our daily visits with Red at his home in Sewanee were a time of fellowship, storytelling, and truth-telling that enriched our lives. George’s wit and wisdom, kindness and humanity were always present but never purposefully displayed. He was a remarkable person to whom the Sewanee community and the “republic of letters” will always be indebted.
On behalf of the University of the South and the Sewanee community, I extend our deepest sympathy to George’s wife, Susan, and their family.
Sincerely,
Rob Pearigen
Vice-Chancellor and President
