We propose and advance a cultural stratigraphy, exploring and delineating layers and textures of the human mind which we visualize as Troynovant: the city of nobly recurring knowledge. As Thoreau says rightly, "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." If our own subjects and perspectives often seem off the beaten path, it is through no desire to be different for difference's sake, but because these wayward Trains of Thought roll to the rhythm of a different bassoon. New Troy rejoices in the innocence of becoming, as the philosophers say: not a static "eternal city", rather a Renewing Troy. The medieval proverb says that Stadtluft macht frei, or city air makes one free — a citizen freed from serfdom; but we suggest more simply, Luft macht frei: determinedly breathing free air maintains our continuing city of recurrent inspiration. Whom the gods would enlighten they first teach to read. Robert Wilfred Franson, editor |
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