One interesting example of bibliographic coding can be seen in the placement of the cartoon "A Study in Dubiety" by Max Beerborn in the first issue of The Blue Review. Appearing, as it does, immediately after the table of contents and before the first poems of the journal, this cartoon seems to stand as a sort of introduction. Its content as well signals that such a designation is apt.
"A Study in Dubiety" depicts the editor of "Georgian Poetry", an anthology of modern British verse, debating as to what should qualify for inclusion in his book. The cartoon is satire, however, as the the "poem" he is contemplating is actually a political slogan of the day. Taken on its own this poem may be interpreted simply as a musing on the nature of poetry or possible a critique of British politics, Within the context of The Blue Review, however, its meaning may be construed differently.
This instantiation of the cartoon highlights the concept of the selection process. That is, what should or should not be included by editors in a collection of poems or of other artworks. It is not a manifesto as it does not offer a concrete position on this matter, but it introduces this question that readers must consider as they read the journal.
