Eric Rasmussen

Eric Rasmussen is a Foundation Professor and Chair of the Department of English at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is renowned as a leading scholar in Shakespeare studies, often dubbed 'the Robert Langdon of the Shakespearean world.' His work includes authenticating rare First Folios and co-editing major scholarly editions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Education:

• Ph.D., English and American Literature, University of Chicago, 1990
• M.A., English and American Literature, University of Chicago, 1983
• B.A., English, Grinnell College, 1982

Research focuses on textual editing, early modern book history, and Shakespearean authentication. His publications have been featured globally, including serialized adaptations in major newspapers. Notable works include The Shakespeare Thefts (2007) and co-edited volumes like the Cambridge Edition of Ben Jonson’s works (2012).

He has received the Falstaff Award three times (2007, 2012, 2013) and contributed to books honored as Book of the Year by prestigious journals. His editorial roles include the MLA’s New Variorum Shakespeare and the Internet Shakespeare Editions Project. He advises on global initiatives like the British Library’s 2016 World Shakespeare Exhibition.