Morris Eaves

Morris Eaves was a renowned English professor and Richard L. Turner Professor of Humanities (2010–2018) at the University of Rochester. He specialized in William Blake scholarship and pioneered the digitization of Blake’s works through The William Blake Archive, a groundbreaking digital humanities project launched in 1995. His contributions enabled global access to Blake’s multimedia art and poetry.

Eaves taught Romantic Literature and Media Studies, and served as chair of the English Department for eight years. He co-edited Blake/An Illustrated Quarterly since 1970, digitizing its archives. His work with colleagues Robert Essick and Joseph Viscomi received funding from the Getty Grant Program, establishing a model for digital preservation of historical texts.

Born in West Monroe, Louisiana, Eaves earned his doctorate from Tulane University in 1972. He taught at the University of New Mexico before joining Rochester in 1986. Colleagues praised his institutional dedication, irreverent wit, and mentorship. He is survived by his wife Georgia, two sons, and three grandchildren.