Laura Knoppers is the George N. Shuster Professor of English Literature and Department Chair at the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters. She specializes in seventeenth-century British literature, with a focus on John Milton, early modern women writers (e.g., Margaret Cavendish), and the intersections of gender, politics, and religion. Her research bridges literary criticism, cultural history, and book history. Education: PhD and M.A. in English Literature from Harvard University; B.A. in English Literature from Calvin College. Research Interests: Milton’s works and context, early modern women’s authorship, the English Revolution, luxury culture, and political iconography. Her notable works include Politicizing Domesticity (2011), Constructing Cromwell (2000), and the award-winning Complete Works of John Milton (2008 edition). Publications: Over 20 authored/edited books and 40+ journal articles/chapters. Recent work includes the Oxford History of Poetry in English (2024) and studies on Margaret Cavendish’s medical writings. Awards: Milton Society’s John T. Shawcross Award (2008), NEH grants, and the 2016 Honored Scholar distinction. She edited Milton Studies (2009–2018) and currently chairs the English Department at Notre Dame. Grants & Service: Secured $500K NEH Challenge Grant for Penn State’s Institute for the Arts and Humanities. Active in professional organizations like the Milton Society of America and Renaissance Society of America. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary projects on early modern literature and culture. Collaborates with institutions like the Folger Shakespeare Library and international scholars on luxury studies and Cromwellian representation.
