Eric Jager

Eric Jager is a Professor in the Department of English at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he teaches medieval literature including courses on Beowulf, Chaucer, the epic, and the romance, as well as a creative writing workshop in nonfiction.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. from Calvin College (1979)
• M.A. from University of Michigan (1982)
• Ph.D. from University of Michigan (1987)

Professor Jager's research focuses on Medieval Literature, with specializations in Old English, Middle English, and Continental Medieval Literature. His work explores the intersection of Classical Culture and Literary Theory, with additional interests in Saint Augustine, the history of the book, and literary theory. His scholarship bridges academic research and public engagement, making medieval literature accessible to broader audiences through his writing and media appearances.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on medieval narratives, evolving from theoretical examinations of language and literature to compelling true crime narratives set in the medieval period. This trajectory reflects his ability to connect scholarly research with engaging storytelling that resonates with both academic and general readers.

His notable achievements include:

• ACLS Fellowship
• Criminal Writers' Association Nonfiction "Gold Dagger" shortlist (2005)
• ALA Notable Books List recognition

Professor Jager has achieved significant public recognition for his work, particularly for "The Last Duel," which became a New York Times Best Seller, sold in twenty languages, and was adapted for BBC Radio's Book of the Week, a BBC TV documentary, and a Ridley Scott film (2021), for which he served as a script consultant. He has given invited talks at Princeton University, Duke, Chicago, Michigan, Virginia, British Columbia, Caen, Orléans, and Lille, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the American Library in Paris. He has been interviewed by Time, Le Monde, El Mundo and many other media outlets.