Dr. Marcel Elias

Biography

Marcel Elias is an Assistant Professor specializing in the literary cultural history of Europe and the eastern Mediterranean during the Middle Ages. He focuses on Middle English and Old French literature, particularly on epic romance and crusade travel writing. His recent book, 'English Literature Crusades,' explores Middle English crusade romances in relation to the Mamlūk reconquest of Acre and the Ottoman siege of Constantinople. Elias argues that these romances reflect complex attitudes towards holy war, Christian-Muslim relations, and the moral ambiguity of crusading. His scholarship emphasizes the role of Muslim resistance in shaping cultural identity and challenges the traditional narratives of Latin Christian expansion. He is also an editor for the special issue 'New Directions Medieval Postcolonialism' in the 'Journal Medieval Early Modern Studies,' which aims to introduce new postcolonial analytical methods to medieval studies. Elias's work has been published in prestigious journals such as 'Speculum,' 'Review English Studies,' and 'New Medieval Literatures.' A graduate of the University of Cambridge, he has received numerous fellowships, including support from Yale University and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Research Interests

Courses