James T. Bowen

James T. Bowen is a researcher and teacher of English literature, specialising in modern and contemporary prose, with a particular interest in the cultural-historical background of the writerly figure and their relationship with both literary criticism and the broader cultural valuation of the written word. As Joan Didion has it: ‘we tell ourselves stories in order to live’, and much of his work reflects this fascination with the purposes, roles, values and significances literature has been accorded by individuals and societies.

James is currently engaged in the second year of a DPhil project, provisionally entitled ‘The Rise and Fall of the Celebrity Mid-Century Novelist’ at St. Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, under the supervision of Professor Marina MacKay. Through a series of case studies on major mid-century figures including C.P. Snow, Iris Murdoch, John Fowles, and William Golding, James offers a case for renewed attention to the significance both of these authors’ works and what their relationship with literary criticism both in their own time and ours might have to offer current thinking on mid-century and postwar writing. More details on James’ research can be found here.

Concurrently with the first year of his DPhil research, James completed the Department for Continuing Education’s PGCert in Psychodynamic Counselling, gaining a Distinction, with a view to further future training in the mental health sector. Prior to the DPhil, James completed both a BA in English Language and Literature (First Class) and an MSt in English Literature 1900-Present at Merton College, Oxford.

James is passionately committed to English education at all levels, and has offered tuition and instruction to a wide range of pupils. He also edits and produces the acclaimed literary podcast, A Reading Life, a Writing Life with author Sally Bayley, aimed at sharing their love of literature with a wider audience. Details of the podcast can be found here. More information on James’ teaching can be found here. If you wish to engage his services as a private tutor, please click here.