Patricia Ingham

Ingham interrogates the interplay of innovation and ambivalence within medieval literature, connecting these themes to broader philosophical and historical contexts. Her work explores the tension between newness and ethical considerations from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries, providing a nuanced view of medieval preoccupations with novelty. This approach, showcased in her book "The Medieval New: Ambivalence in an Age of Innovation", delves into how these ideas are reflected across various discourses, including literary, scientific, and religious. By doing so, Ingham challenges traditional perceptions of medieval studies, offering a fresh perspective that appeals to scholars interested in the intersections of history, theology, and literary theory.\n\nHer interdisciplinary methodology is evident in her extensive examination of Chaucer, medieval romance, historiography, and psychoanalytic theories. As an editor of the journal "Exemplaria, Medieval/Early Modern/Theory", she fosters scholarly discourse that blends postcolonial and gender studies. Her editorial leadership extends to the Penguin Classics series, where she serves as the general editor for Thomas Hardy’s fiction and edited Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South". These roles underline her commitment to connecting Victorian literary studies with medieval literature, thereby providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and historical forces shaping literary innovation.\n\nReaders of Ingham's work benefit from her ability to synthesize complex interdisciplinary themes into accessible academic discourse, making her scholarship invaluable for those interested in medieval studies and its modern implications. Her appointment as a senior research fellow at St. Anne's College, Oxford, and a Professor of English and Medieval Studies at Indiana University further underscores her influence and contribution to the field. This bio illustrates how Ingham’s academic endeavors continue to enrich literary scholarship and provide meaningful insights into the ethical and philosophical dimensions of literary innovation.