I am an Emeritus Professor at York St John University, where I taught English Literature for many years. I am also an Honorary Professor at the University of York, where I taught at the Norwegian Study Centre for over 10 years, working with staff and students from Norwegian universities.
My research and teaching interests include women’s writing and Early Modern literature, specifically the plays of Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle (1623-73). My 3.5 hour DVD Margaret Cavendish: Plays in Performance won an International Media award. I am a past president of the International Margaret Cavendish Society.
I am passionate about the importance of literature and theatre in culture and society. I continue to participate in literature festivals, chairing events and interviewing authors, including for the Ilkley Literature Festival, the York Literature Festival and the Brontë Society in Haworth.
My international teaching experience includes 2 years as Visiting Professor at the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU), a Fulbright year at California State University, a Visiting Professorship at the Free University of Amsterdam and lecture visits to universities throughout Norway. Also ERASMUS invitations to the Universities of Åarhus, Bologna and Lund.
I was awarded one of the first UK University National Teaching Fellowships (2002) and co-edited the Writing Matters report for the Royal Literary Fund.
