It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies announces the appointment of Peter Sabor as an Honorary Member of the Society. This distinction, one of the highest the CSECS can bestow, is reserved for retired scholars whose contribution to eighteenth-century studies and to the life of the Society is deemed truly exceptional. It recognizes not only the excellence of Peter’s scholarship, but also his generosity, mentorship, and deep commitment to the scholarly community.
Holder of the Canada Research Chair and Director of the Burney Centre at McGill University from 2003 to 2024, Peter Sabor has produced an impressive body of work, consisting largely of scholarly editions of major authors such as Horace Walpole, Samuel Richardson, Jane Austen, Sarah Fielding, John Cleland, William Shakespeare, and Canadian writer Mavis Gallant. His research has profoundly renewed Frances Burney studies, particularly through the editing of her works and the publication of eight volumes of her journals and letters.
A long-time and enthusiastic member of CSECS, Peter has continually encouraged both students and colleagues to take part in the Society’s conferences. Before joining McGill, he taught literature at Université Laval, where he hosted the annual CSECS conference in Québec City in 2002 and served on the Executive Committee, including a term as President of the Society (1994–1997). Through his research chair and numerous scholarly projects, he has supported the training of young researchers, attracted internationally renowned scholars to Canada, and contributed significantly to the international visibility of eighteenth-century studies.
This appointment coincides with the Society’s announcement of the new Peter Sabor Fellowship, valued at $2,000, created to encourage and support editorial projects related to the eighteenth century. Established in partnership with the Burney Society of North America, this fellowship stems from a fundraising campaign that reflects the esteem and affection the community holds for Peter. The first award will be granted in 2026.
Through this double recognition, CSECS celebrates an exemplary career marked by excellence, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to eighteenth-century studies.
