Dr. David Bentley

Biography

David Bentley is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of English and Writing Studies at Western University. His expertise lies in Canadian literature and culture, with a particular focus on nineteenth-century English literature and art, especially poetry and the works of the Pre-Raphaelites. Bentley's teaching spans the entirety of English literature from the Medieval to the Modern period, continuously engaging with the evolution of the field, making significant contributions to both undergraduate and graduate education. His scholarly work reflects a deep interest in the relationship between literature and various aspects of the human experience—including morality, spirituality, and cultural memory. He has published extensively, including a series of essays titled "Arts Humanity's Sake" on his website. Bentley has been recognized for his contributions to Canadian literary scholarship with awards such as the Killam Prize in Humanities and the 3M National Teaching Fellowship, which highlights his significant role in shaping graduate studies in his fields of interest. He also serves as the founding editor of Canadian Poetry: Studies, Documents, Reviews and directs the Canadian Poetry Project, further emphasizing his commitment to the advancement of Canadian literature and its study.

Research Interests