Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson is an academic at De Montfort University, affiliated with the School of Humanities and Performing Arts within the Faculty of Arts, Design and Humanities. He holds a PhD in English from the University of Cardiff and has established a robust research profile in 19th-century literature, particularly focused on George Eliot and her intellectual, cultural, and political contexts.

His educational background includes a BA in English from Cambridge University, an MA in Linguistics (TESOL) from the University of Surrey, and a PhD in English from Cardiff University. These qualifications underpin his interdisciplinary research and teaching expertise.

Thompson’s research centers on the Victorian novel, especially George Eliot’s works, with a strong emphasis on her engagement with Italian culture, Dante, the Risorgimento, and Darwinism. He explores themes of moral philosophy, national identity, exile, and intertextuality, often bridging literary analysis with historical and philosophical inquiry. His work reflects a deep commitment to textual scholarship, as seen in his critical editions of Eliot’s notebooks.

His recent publications reveal a sustained focus on George Eliot’s research practices, annotations, and literary sources, particularly her use of Dante and Italian history. The articles span from the 1990s to 2021, showing long-term scholarly dedication. Key trends include manuscript studies, intellectual history, and the intersection of literature with science and politics.

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Thompson has contributed significantly to academic discourse through critical editions, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles. While no formal students or research grants are listed, his editorial work and collaborations (e.g., with William Baker) suggest active scholarly partnerships. His early work in medical English education (MEDERA project) also highlights interdisciplinary outreach.

He is affiliated with the Institute of English at DMU, where he contributes to research group activities. His work on George Eliot’s notebooks and Anglo-Italian cultural mediation situates him within a vibrant scholarly community focused on Victorian literature and transnational influences.