Dr. Adam Smyth

Biography

Adam Smyth is a Professor and Tutorial Fellow at Balliol College, specializing in the intersections of literature and history in early modern England. His research primarily focuses on 16th and 17th-century literature, particularly the ways in which texts were composed, circulated, and consumed. Smyth has written four monographs, including 'Book-Makers: A History of the Book in 18 Remarkable Lives', chosen as one of The Economist's Books of the Year for 2024. He has also authored 'Material Texts in Early Modern England' and 'Autobiography in Early Modern England', among others. In addition to his publications, he has co-edited several important collections including the 'Oxford Handbook of the History of the Book in Early Modern England'. He is involved in creative collaborations that explore new ways of engaging with literature, including working with artists and curating exhibitions. Smyth frequently presents his work internationally and contributes to various literary discussions in both print and media.

Research Interests