Nathalie Koble

Nathalie Koble is a Professor at École Normale Supérieure (ENS), where she teaches medieval language and literature, literary theory, poetry translation, and creative writing practices. She serves as Co-Leader of the Medieval and Renaissance Writing Team: Manuscripts and Translations within the Department of Literature and Languages-ITEM.

• Paleographic archivist with Master's degree in Modern Literature and PhD in French Literature
• Responsible for the Master of Medieval Literature (supported by Sorbonne-Université)
• Responsible for the minor in Medieval Studies
• Co-responsible for the minor in Creative Writing

Her research focuses on the manuscript tradition and formal consciousness of medieval texts (poetry and fiction), the memory of the Middle Ages in contemporary literature and art, and the history of poetic translation. Professor Koble's work bridges medieval scholarship with contemporary creative practices, examining how medieval literary forms continue to influence modern writing and artistic expression.

Her recent publications demonstrate a sophisticated interdisciplinary approach, with increasing attention to textile arts, visual poetry, and sound studies. The upcoming international conference 'Soft Matters. Poésies textiles, jadis et aujourd'hui' (September 2025) exemplifies this trajectory, connecting medieval manuscript production with textile traditions. Her scholarship on Arthurian literature, particularly the Merlin prose cycles, represents significant contributions to understanding medieval narrative invention and reader-writer dynamics.

• Prix coup de cœur de l'Académie Charles Cros 2023
• Grand prix de l'Académie Charles Cros 2023

Professor Koble leads multiple academic initiatives including workshops, literature courses, and the literary theory seminar. She co-leads the seminar 'Make it new: translating poetry (theory, history, practice)' with Roland Béhar and the masterclass in literary writing with Déborah Levy-Bertherat at the Maison Victor Hugo. Her academic leadership extends to organizing major conferences, study days, and research collaborations with institutions including Sorbonne-Université, École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs-PSL, and the Musée de Cluny.

She actively participates in research teams including the Medieval and Renaissance Writing Team: Manuscripts and Translations and the Medieval Research group in medieval language and literature, maintaining a vibrant scholarly presence through 2026 with scheduled courses and conferences.