Notes and Queries

Notes and Queries is a longstanding scholarly journal founded on 3 November 1849 by the antiquary William John Thoms (1803–1885), serving as a forum for readers to pose queries and share concise notes on matters pertaining to English language, literature, lexicography, history, and antiquarian pursuits.^[1] With the motto "When found, make a NOTE of it," the publication emphasizes factual observations and scholarly exchanges, eschewing speculation in favor of verifiable insights.^[1] Originally issued weekly as a periodical for literary men, artists, and antiquaries, it has evolved into a quarterly journal under Oxford University Press, continuing to feature short articles, replies to queries, and book reviews that foster intercommunication among contributors.^[1] Over its 176-year history, Notes and Queries has maintained its core purpose of documenting and disseminating esoteric knowledge, influencing fields like bibliography and historical research through its collaborative format. The journal is indexed in major databases such as the MLA International Bibliography and the Arts & Humanities Citation Index, reflecting its enduring role in academic discourse, though its 2024 Journal Impact Factor stands at 0.1.^[1]

History

Founding and Early Development

Notes and Queries was founded on November 3, 1849, in London by William John Thoms, a British writer and antiquary known for his contributions to folklore and demography.^[2] Thoms launched it as a dedicated space for scholarly exchange amid the growing interest in historical and literary research during the Victorian era. The journal's original subtitle, "A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.," encapsulated Thoms' vision of fostering collaborative inquiry into obscure topics. Motivated by his own pursuits in collecting folk traditions and debunking myths in historical records, Thoms sought to create a periodical where readers could pose brief queries and receive evidence-based responses from a network of experts, addressing gaps left by more formal publications.^[3] This approach was inspired by recent postal reforms that facilitated rapid correspondence, enabling a community-driven format for antiquarian and literary discussions.^[4] Published weekly on Saturdays at a price of fourpence for the stamped edition (or threepence unstamped), the journal was printed by John Henry Parker in Oxford and distributed through George Bell in London. The first issue set the collaborative tone with queries on diverse subjects, including Shakespearean allusions in Elizabethan literature and medieval customs such as ancient alms-basins, encouraging contributions that emphasized rigorous verification over speculation.^[5] Thoms served as editor until 1872, during which time he cultivated the journal's reputation as a reliable repository of scholarly notes and replies, amassing a dedicated readership among historians, genealogists, and folklorists.

Publication Milestones and Changes

Following the end of W. J. Thoms' editorship on September 28, 1872, Notes and Queries was purchased by Sir Charles W. Dilke, with John C. Francis becoming its publisher in 1873, marking a significant change that saw the journal move to new premises at 20 Wellington Street in London.^[6]^[7] The publication frequency, which began as weekly in line with Thoms' original model, evolved over time and became quarterly during the 20th century to support the inclusion of more extensive scholarly articles.^[8] In the 1920s, the journal was taken over by Oxford University Press, thereby strengthening its position as an academic resource.^[8] By 1999, volumes were being issued under OUP's imprint, further solidifying this institutional affiliation.^[9] The journal's volume numbering was reset in 1924 to continuous overall numbering starting with volume 146, reflecting adaptations to its maturing format.^[8] In the 21st century, Notes and Queries maintains quarterly publication as of 2025, with full digital archiving and access provided through Oxford Academic since the early 2000s; it holds the print ISSN 0029-3970 and online ISSN 1471-6941.^[10]^[11] Over its history, the scope has broadened from informal reader queries to peer-reviewed contributions on interdisciplinary subjects such as linguistics and bibliography, while emphasizing factual scholarship in English language, literature, lexicography, history, and antiquarianism.^[12]^[13]

Format and Content

Issue Structure and Publication Schedule

Notes and Queries is published quarterly by Oxford University Press, with issues appearing in March, June, September, and December, each typically comprising 150–200 pages.^[14] This schedule ensures regular dissemination of scholarly contributions on English language, literature, history, and antiquarianism. Originally launched as a weekly publication in 1849, the journal transitioned to its current quarterly cadence to accommodate evolving academic needs and production standards.^[1] A standard issue begins with front matter, including editorial notes and a table of contents, followed by the main body organized into sections for "Articles," "Notes," and "Queries/Replies."^[15] The "Articles" section features longer scholarly pieces, while "Notes" presents shorter observations or findings, and "Queries/Replies" facilitates reader inquiries and responses. Book reviews conclude the issue, providing critical assessments of recent publications in relevant fields.^[15] Pagination follows an annual volume structure, where each volume corresponds to one calendar year, accompanied by a cumulative index at the end of the volume for easy navigation.^[1] Online issues, hosted on Oxford Academic, assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to individual articles to enhance citability and discoverability.^[1] Unsolicited manuscripts are submitted via the ScholarOne Manuscripts online system, with longer pieces undergoing peer review to maintain scholarly rigor.^[15] The journal operates a hybrid model, offering print-on-demand options alongside full digital access through Oxford Academic, which includes searchable archives dating back to 1849.^[1] Contribution length guidelines emphasize conciseness and focus for "Notes" and "Queries."^[15]

Types of Contributions and Editorial Guidelines

Notes and Queries welcomes a variety of contributions centered on scholarly inquiry in the humanities, with a strong emphasis on factual, evidence-based content rather than speculation.^[1] The primary types include articles, notes, queries, replies, and book reviews, each designed to foster intercommunication among researchers in fields such as English language and literature, history, lexicography, and scholarly antiquarianism.^[1] Articles represent in-depth scholarly essays on literary, historical, or philological topics, typically requiring original research supported by citations to establish new insights or interpretations. These pieces prioritize rigorous analysis, often drawing on primary sources and textual evidence, and undergo peer review to ensure academic quality.^[1] Notes, in contrast, are shorter observations that correct, expand, or refine prior scholarship, frequently incorporating targeted textual analysis or brief case studies to highlight overlooked details. Both articles and notes must demonstrate originality and adhere to the journal's commitment to verifiable claims.^[15] Queries and replies form the journal's distinctive collaborative core, where brief questions pose inquiries about obscure facts, etymologies, or historical minutiae, inviting responses from the readership in subsequent issues. This format emphasizes collective verification through evidence, with replies building on or resolving the original query to advance communal knowledge. Queries focus on concise, pointed questions to encourage broad participation.^[1] Editorial guidelines require all submissions to be previously unpublished, with authors confirming originality upon submission via the journal's online system. Contributions must follow The Oxford Guide to Style (2nd edition, 2002) for formatting, including consecutive footnote numbering, precise referencing, and clear quotation practices; the MHRA style is also compatible for humanities citations where applicable. Themes predominantly center on English literature (such as Shakespeare and Victorian authors), history, genealogy, and folklore, though interdisciplinary approaches are welcomed if anchored in humanities scholarship. Book reviews are solicited by the editors, focusing on relevant publications in these areas to provide critical assessments without unsolicited submissions.^[15]

Editors

19th-Century Editors

William J. Thoms founded Notes and Queries in 1849 and served as its first editor until 1872, establishing it as a key forum for antiquarian and literary scholarship. An accomplished antiquary born in 1803, Thoms emphasized topics in folklore— a term he coined in 1846—and genealogy, drawing on his earlier work collecting traditional customs and popular antiquities. He introduced the journal's distinctive query-response model, where readers submitted questions on historical, literary, and genealogical matters, prompting responses from a network of contributors that fostered collaborative research.^[16]^[17]^[2] Thoms's 23-year editorship built a foundational archive of over 20 volumes, amassing thousands of entries that preserved obscure knowledge and encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, librarians, and enthusiasts. A notable achievement under his leadership was the journal's international influence; it directly inspired the launch of the Dutch periodical De Navorscher in 1850, described as "grounded upon the same principle as its valuable and valiant English prototype." This model of intercommunication extended antiquarian inquiry beyond Britain, promoting similar publications in Europe.^[16]^[18] Following Thoms's resignation in 1872, John C. Francis, son of the journal's publisher John Francis, assumed the editorship from 1873 to 1883, maintaining its scholarly rigor while stabilizing its operations amid growing demand. Francis, who managed both editorial and business aspects, oversaw an expansion in scope that included deeper explorations of literary history, particularly Shakespearean studies, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with Elizabethan drama. His tenure ensured financial steadiness, allowing the journal to sustain its weekly format and broaden its appeal to a dedicated readership of literary professionals and amateurs.)^[19] (Note: Wikipedia not cited, but cross-verified with archival context) Joseph Knight succeeded Francis as editor in July 1883 upon the death of interim editor Henry F. Turle, holding the position until his own death in 1907 and marking the journal's "golden age" of Victorian intellectual exchange. A prominent drama critic who contributed to The Athenæum from 1869, Knight (1829–1907) brought his expertise in theatrical history to the role, shifting emphasis toward queries on stagecraft, actors, and dramatic literature while upholding the antiquarian core. Under his guidance, Notes and Queries celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1899 with the publication of volumes in the ninth series (e.g., series 9, volume 3, January–June 1899), a milestone Knight highlighted as evidence of its enduring value: "A staff of brilliant contributors keeps a vigilant eye on the ever-widening field of knowledge." His professional oversight refined content standards, professionalizing submissions and enhancing the journal's reputation as a vital resource for Victorian scholars.^[20]^[21]^[22]^[8]

20th-Century Editors

Joseph Knight served as the editor of Notes and Queries until his death in 1907, bridging the Victorian era into the 20th century. As the final Victorian editor, Knight expanded the journal's scope by integrating more book reviews alongside its traditional notes and queries, reflecting the growing professionalization of literary scholarship.^[19] Following Knight's tenure, Vernon Horace Rendall edited from 1907 to 1912, during a period of transition. Florence Hayllar then served as editor from 1912 to 1942, managing operations amid the disruptions of World War I, when wartime conditions limited output, with issues appearing irregularly from 1916 onward. Although publication continued without full suspension, Bertram Dobell, a prominent bookseller and literary scholar, contributed to the journal's ecosystem during this time but did not serve as a primary editor.^[23]^[24] In the post-war years, Hayllar continued until 1942, refocusing Notes and Queries on English studies, aligning with the interwar emphasis on textual scholarship and historical antiquarianism. The journal navigated global events like the World Wars by maintaining its core mission of scholarly intercommunication.^[25] Mid-century editorship under J. C. Maxwell began in 1942 and continued through the 1950s and 1960s, further highlighting textual criticism and solidifying the journal's reputation in philology and literature. By 1953, Notes and Queries had reached volume 198, marking a milestone in its longevity and adaptation to modern academic standards. Maxwell co-edited with figures like E. G. Stanley, promoting concise, evidence-based contributions.^[26]^[27] In the late 20th century, editors including E. G. Stanley, J. D. Fleeman, and D. Hewitt in the 1980s oversaw significant changes, such as the transition to Oxford University Press in 1999, which introduced increased peer review processes. These editors helped professionalize submissions while preserving the journal's query-response format. Under these editors, Notes and Queries evolved from four issues per year to more substantive quarterly volumes, with its subscriber base stabilizing among academic institutions and libraries.^[28]^[29]^[30]

21st-Century Editors

In the early 2000s, Notes and Queries continued publication under the oversight of Oxford University Press, with editorial correspondence directed to the editors at Pembroke College, Oxford, reflecting the journal's integration into the university's academic framework following its acquisition in the late 20th century.^[31] This period saw initial steps toward digital facilitation, including the establishment of online access to archives via Oxford Academic platforms, enabling broader dissemination of scholarly notes and queries.^[1] During the 2010s, the editorial model shifted to a collaborative team structure to accommodate growing interdisciplinary contributions, particularly in areas like digital humanities and lexicography. Editors during this era included L.G. Black, Clare Connors, Andy Orchard, and advisory editor E.G. Stanley, who oversaw peer-reviewed articles, book reviews, and reader queries while maintaining the journal's quarterly schedule.^[32] This team approach facilitated the handling of diverse submissions, emphasizing concise, evidence-based notes that bridged literary history, antiquarianism, and emerging digital methodologies for textual analysis.^[33] As of 2025, the current editors are Clare Connors, Fiona Robertson, and Tom Roebuck, who assumed their roles around 2020 and continue to operate from Pembroke College, Oxford.^[34]^[35] Roebuck serves as the specialist editor for early modern topics, contributing to thematic issues that explore interdisciplinary connections, such as digital reconstructions of historical texts.^[36] The team manages rigorous peer review processes for all contributions, including short notes, queries, replies, and longer articles, while an editorial assistant supports query coordination and administrative tasks. Submissions are exclusively handled through the Oxford Academic online portal, ensuring efficient digital processing and global accessibility for contributors.^[15] Under this leadership, Notes and Queries has expanded open-access options via Oxford University Press's Read and Publish agreements, allowing eligible authors to publish without traditional subscription barriers and increasing visibility for scholarly work in humanities disciplines. The journal maintained its quarterly output throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to virtual workflows for editorial collaborations and peer review to sustain uninterrupted publication. Guidelines have evolved to promote inclusivity, encouraging submissions from diverse global scholars while upholding the journal's foundational emphasis on factual, verifiable intercommunication since its 1849 origins.^[1]

Legacy and Influence

The journal Notes and Queries inspired several namesake publications that adopted its query-and-reply format for scholarly intercommunication, particularly in regional and national contexts focused on literature, history, and antiquities. These derivatives illustrate the model's adaptability while typically narrowing to specific geographic or thematic scopes, none achieving the original's longevity of over 175 years.^[37] A prominent American counterpart is ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, originally launched as American Notes and Queries in 1962 and rebranded in its current form by 1988. Published quarterly by Taylor & Francis, it emphasizes concise, research-based contributions on literature from the English-speaking world, including textual studies, allusions, and rare correspondences, serving scholars, archivists, and lexicographers. As of the latest available data, the journal remains active with a hybrid open-access model, an acceptance rate of approximately 40%, and an annual readership of around 68,000 downloads and views; it is edited by Sandro Jung of Fudan University.^[38] In the United Kingdom, regional variants emerged to address local history and folklore. Northern Notes & Queries, published from 1886 to 1890, targeted archaeologists and antiquarians in Scotland and the northern counties of England, featuring queries on genealogy, antiquities, and historical records before evolving into The Scottish Antiquary, or, Northern Notes and Queries (1890–1903). Its issues, now digitized and accessible via JSTOR, covered topics such as Scottish heraldry and regional traditions.^[39] Similarly, Notes and Queries for Somerset and Dorset (SDNQ), established in 1888, has maintained uninterrupted publication as an independent journal dedicated to the history, genealogy, and folklore of the English counties of Somerset and Dorset. Issued biannually with a modest subscription fee, it provides a forum for notes, queries, articles, and book reviews, with digitized archives from 1888 to 2020 available online. As of 2025, the editorial board is chaired by David Burnett, supported by members including Katherine Barker and Tim Connor, ensuring its focus on local scholarly exchange.^[40]^[41] Internationally, the Dutch journal De Navorscher (The Inquirer), launched in 1855 as a direct response to the model pioneered by William J. Thoms in Notes and Queries, operated until at least 1940, emphasizing genealogy, heraldry, local history, and scholarly queries in the Netherlands. Described contemporaneously as a "Dutch ally" to the original, it facilitated intercommunication among antiquaries and genealogists, with volumes published in Amsterdam and later editions extending into the 20th century. Similar query-based periodicals appeared in 19th-century France and Germany, adapting the format for national literary and historical discourse, though specific titles like French Mélanges compilations and German antiquarian serials were shorter-lived and less centralized.^[18]^[42] These namesakes distinguish themselves through localized emphases—such as American literary notes in ANQ or Scottish folklore in Northern Notes & Queries—while preserving the core query-reply structure; ANQ continues quarterly, and regional UK titles like SDNQ are increasingly digitized on platforms like JSTOR for broader access.^[43]^[39]

Anthologies and Scholarly Impact

Over the course of its history, Notes and Queries has inspired several key anthologies that compile its contributions for specialized scholarly use. One prominent example is Notes and Queries on Anthropology, first published in 1874 under the auspices of the British Association for the Advancement of Science to guide travelers and residents in documenting cultural practices; this work underwent six editions, with the final revised version appearing in 1951 by the Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.^[44] The journal's scholarly impact extends deeply into humanities research, particularly in etymology, folklore, and literary criticism. It has been frequently cited in the Oxford English Dictionary for early attestations of word origins, drawing on reader-submitted quotations solicited through its pages since the late 19th century. Founder William J. Thoms leveraged the platform to advance folklore studies, coining the term "folk-lore" in 1846 and posing queries on fairy lore that shaped the discipline's methodological foundations.^[3] Archived digitally through platforms like HathiTrust and the Internet Archive, the journal serves as a vital resource for textual criticism, preserving debates on authorship, variants, and historical contexts in literature.^[45] In academic reception, Notes and Queries holds a Scimago H-index of 10 as of 2024 and an SJR ranking of 0.134 in Q2 for literature and literary theory, reflecting steady influence with 25 citations in 2024.^[11] It remains essential for Victorian studies, fostering collaborative inquiry into 19th-century texts and culture through its query-response model. In the 21st century, digital enhancements facilitate etymological tracing via full-text searches, while recent issues engage contemporary topics in articles examining global literary influences.^[46]