James A. Smith

James A. Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Literature and Theory at the Department of English, Royal Holloway, University of London. His research spans literary scholarship, cultural theory, and contemporary political analysis.

• Undergraduate & Postgraduate: University of Manchester

Research Interests encompass:

• Mid-eighteenth-century literature (Samuel Richardson, Charlotte Lennox)
• Shakespeare reception in the 18th century
• Populism & anti-populism
• Digital culture & algorithmic governance
• Theories of work & post-work philosophy

Recent publications focus on eighteenth-century novels, labor theory, and ideological conflicts in digital media. His work intersects with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to decent work and economic growth.

Scientific Awards:

• Royal Holloway Teaching Prize (2019)

Smith supervises PhD candidates on topics ranging from feminist novels to platform economy labor, and co-hosts the political podcast The Popular Show.