Dr Chris Laoutaris elected a Fellow of the English Association
Dr Chris Laoutaris has been invited to join the Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding work and achievements as a member of the community of English.
Dr Chris Laoutaris has been invited to join the Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding work and achievements as a member of the community of English.
The English Association is a subject association for people passionate about English literature, language, and creative writing. Bringing together individuals and organisations from all sectors of education and all areas of English studies.
With over 320 current Fellows, including writers, academics and those engaged with English at every stage of education, as well as librarians, journalists, publishers and editors. This year, Dr Chris Laoutaris joins the small number of nominated Fellows chosen by the Fellowship Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees.
I'm delighted and deeply honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the English Association (EA) by Invitation. I am looking forward to becoming involved with the EA because it works tirelessly to increase inclusivity and diversity in English Studies, education and writing. The vital projects and advocacy the EA supports and carries out in these fields is needed now more than ever, and is helping to ensure that these areas of study are preserved for future generations and that those working in them are empowered to pursue research, foster discussion and positive debate, and improve access to teaching resources in schools, colleges, universities, and among members of the general public.
Dr Chris Laoutaris was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in recognition of his contribution to historical scholarship a few months back in December 2023. This additional election, as a Fellow to the English Association, is in recognition of his exceptional work as a writer and academic at the University of Birmingham.
He is the author of Shakespeare’s Book: The Intertwined Lives Behind the Fist Folio, published by HarperCollins’ William Collins imprint, which tells the story of the creation of the 1623 First Folio, and which is a BBC History Magazine Book of the Year, a BBC Radio 4 Front Row Non-Fiction Book of the Year, and a Financial Times Best Summer Book.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Laoutaris into our Fellowship. Each year our existing Fellows, trustees, and committee members nominate colleagues who have made a distinguished contribution to our subject. Our Fellowship includes writers, academics, educators, librarians, journalists, publishers, and editors, all of whom represent excellence in the teaching and learning of English, and who play an active role in the EA’s mission.
The English Association (EA) has a long tradition, dating back to its foundation in 1906, of honouring those who have made a distinguished contribution to the subject. More recently, in 2000, the EA introduced a special category of membership, by invitation only: Fellow of the English Association. Fellows have the opportunity to join their committees, initiate and participate in their events, and shape the policies of the Association.
The aim of the English Association is to foster excellence in teaching and research and to promote the study and enjoyment of English literature, language, and creative writing across all sectors of education. As leading figures in the discipline, Fellows assist in that work by sharing their expertise and enthusiasm, raising the profile of the subject, and inspiring young people to choose English at A level and university.