James Peacock

Dr. James Peacock is a Reader in American Literature at Keele University's School of Humanities, holding roles as Chair of the University Discipline Committee and Director of the David Bruce Centre. He completed an MSc in English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on Paul Auster's work. His research spans contemporary American fiction, gentrification narratives, transnational music analysis (The Clash), Quakerism, detective fiction, and Philip K. Dick studies. He teaches modules on American literature's intersections with history, graphic novels, and gender studies, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research. His publications explore urban cultural dynamics, with recent works analyzing gentrification in speculative fiction and corporate power in Jonathan Lethem's writings. Peacock's interdisciplinary work bridges literature, music, and visual arts, emphasizing spatial politics and transnational themes.

• Education: MSc in English Literature (University of Edinburgh, 2006)

Research interests include the interplay of local and global identities in urban spaces, with particular attention to New York's literary depictions. His work on The Clash examines transnational punk politics, while studies on Quakerism explore intersections with American literary traditions. Peacock actively engages with contemporary issues through literary analysis, including examinations of Edward Hopper's urban imagery and graphic novels' socio-political dimensions.

Recent publications highlight his focus on gentrification's literary manifestations, with articles in journals like Journal of Urban Cultural Studies and ANQ. He collaborates on projects linking urban theory with creative practices, such as adapting literary works into music. Peacock's academic leadership includes overseeing the David Bruce Centre, fostering interdisciplinary research initiatives.