Dr. Richard Klein

Biography

Richard Klein is a Professor Emeritus of French Literature with a prominent focus on cultural history as it pertains to cigarettes and their impact on societal narratives. He has authored significant works including 'Cigarettes Sublime', published by Duke University Press, and has translated his writings into 14 languages. His recent publication, 'Eat Fat', examines contemporary social issues through the lens of critical theory. Additionally, his book 'Jewelry Talks: A Novel Thesis' explores the interplay between personal ornamentation and its representation in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century French poetry. Klein also teaches modernism and contemporary French thought, underscoring his longstanding engagement with the work of Jacques Derrida. He previously served as the editor for 'Diacritics', a journal committed to critical theory, and has conducted graduate seminars on Oulipo, highlighting post-war literary experiments in Paris. His research interests further extend to troubadour poetry, particularly its formative role in the development of courtly love, alongside the social and ideological conflicts that emerged from the decline of this poetic tradition in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Research Interests