Neil Kenny

Neil Kenny is a Professor of French and Senior Research Fellow at All Souls College, University of Oxford. His research focuses on early modern French literature, thought, and culture (1530–1650), particularly the relationship between literature/learning and social hierarchy. He holds a DPhil and is a Fellow of the British Academy.

Education Background:

• BA, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (1978–1981)
• Postgraduate studies, St John's College, Oxford (1982–1985)

Professional Roles:

• Served as Reader in French at University of Cambridge (2005–2012)
• Lecturer/Reader roles at Queen Mary, University of London (1989–1994) and other institutions
• Lead Fellow for Languages, British Academy (2017–2023)

Research Interests: Kenny explores how language shapes knowledge and belief in early modern France. His work analyzes authors like Rabelais, Montaigne, and Béroalde de Verville, focusing on topics such as curiosity, social hierarchy, and textual interpretation.

Awards & Grants: Recipient of British Academy Research Readership (1998–2000) and Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (2010–2012).

Teaching & Mentorship: Supervises doctoral research on 16th–17th century French literature and hosts workshops on doctoral research methodologies.

Editorial Activities: Editor/co-editor of journals like French Studies and Renaissance Quarterly; contributes to major scholarly series such as the Cambridge French Colloquia.