Celebrate Scholarship and Community at MLA 2026 with K-SAA
As the MLA Convention heads to Toronto in January 2026, the Keats-Shelley Association of America is delighted to invite you to two special events that bring our community together.
Mary Shelley At Last — K-SAA MLA Panel #274
Friday, January 9, 2026
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM EST
MTCC - 716A
MLA Annual Convention Center — Toronto
Join us for Mary Shelley At Last, a K-SAA panel honoring the bicentenary of Mary Shelley’s The Last Man. This session will explore neglected and underrepresented themes in Shelley’s post-apocalyptic novel, the enduring legacy of her work across centuries, and broader ideas of endurance and lasting influence in her writing.
Whether you’re a Shelley scholar, Romanticist, or lover of literary history, this panel offers rich conversation and fresh perspectives on one of the most innovative works (not just in early science fiction).
Presider:
Omar F. Miranda (U of San Francisco)
Presentations:
Hannah Markley (Stetson U) — “The Politics of Breathing in The Last Man”
Gwendolyn Moore (U of Delaware, Newark) — ”Speaking Plague: Fatal and Infectious Language in The Last Man and the Digital Age”
Sarah Weston (Washington U in St. Louis) — ”Sibylline Leaves and Number Theory in Mary Shelley’s The Last Man”
K-SAA Awards Reception — An Evening of Community and Celebration
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Reception begins at 6:30 PM / Awards program ~7:15 PM
Ricarda’s Restaurant — 134 Peter St, Toronto, ON
Make time on Saturday evening for one of the most collegial events at MLA: the K-SAA Awards Reception! It’s a festive gathering where we recognize outstanding scholarship and connect with friends, colleagues, and fellow Romanticists in a warm, welcoming setting.
The evening will feature honors for:
Distinguished Scholar Awards bestowed this year to Julia M. Wright and Richard C. Sha
Pforzheimer Award recipients and more celebratory announcements
Enjoy a cash bar, light fare, and lively conversation — all while celebrating the achievements that continue to shape Romantic studies. The event is free with advance registration, and K-SAA members receive two complimentary drink tickets when renewing or joining for 2026.
Fuel your excitement with our MLA 2025 Highlights page!
Why You Should Join Us
These events are all about community — connecting graduate students, contingent faculty, longtime members, and returning friends of the Society in spaces that celebrate collaboration as much as scholarship.
Whether you’re presenting at MLA, browsing sessions, or simply there to connect, make sure to:
Mark your calendar for our panel on Mary Shelley and the evening Awards Reception.
Register early to secure your spot and enjoy an evening of camaraderie in Toronto.
Spread the word to colleagues!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Toronto!
Not a member yet? Join us today!
