Author: Edith Rickert

John Matthews Manly (1865-1940) was an esteemed American educator and scholar in the field of medieval and Renaissance literature. Born on February 26, 1865, in Virginia, he earned his Bachelor”s and Master”s degrees from the University of Virginia before completing his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1890. Over his illustrious career, Manly served as the head of the English department at the University of Chicago from 1898 until his retirement in 1936. During his tenure, he shaped the emerging discipline of English literary studies, elevating its standards and methodologies to rigorous scholarly levels. His literary contributions are extensive and include works such as his notable book “Contemporary American Literature”—a comprehensive analysis that traces the development and characteristics of American literary movements from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Manly”s work was distinguished by his meticulous research and his ability to contextualize literature within broader cultural and historical frameworks. His literary style combined clarity, precision, and a deep respect for textual evidence, making his scholarly output both accessible and authoritative. As a testament to his enduring influence, Manly”s pedagogy and literary critique continue to resonate in the field of literary studies to this day.