Nicholas Boylston

Nicholas Boylston is an Assistant Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). His research focuses on classical Persian literature and Persianate Islam, exploring themes of diversity and unity in Sufi, philosophical, and literary works. He holds a BA from Harvard College, MA from the University of Tehran, and PhD from Georgetown University (2017). Previously, he served as a College Fellow/Lecturer at Harvard (2018-21) and Assistant Professor at Seattle University (2021-23).

His scholarship examines interactions between Twelver Shiʿism and Sufism in Quranic commentaries, as well as perspectivist thought in classical Persian literature. Current projects include a book on pluralistic modes of thought in Persian literature's formative phase.

• Education:
• B.A., Harvard College
• M.A., University of Tehran
• Ph.D., Georgetown University (2017)

Publications emphasize Quranic exegesis, Sufi philosophy, and medieval Persian intellectual history. His work bridges theological debates, literary analysis, and historical contextualization.