My primary specialty is Eighteenth-century British literature. I like the poetry of Pope, Johnson’s Rambler essays, Hogarth’s prints, eighteenth-century typography, the history of manners. Three years ago I completed a brief history of insomnia, focusing on the impact, beginning around 1660, that caffeine, mechanical clocks, and the development of the novel had on sleep; all areas of sleep research continue to interest me. In 2001, a $15,000 grant from ISU, as well as an Innovative Teaching Grant and matching monies from several other sources, allowed me to begin the Samuel Johnson and his Circle Collection of rare books and prints at Oboler Library, an ongoing project. I also find teeth interesting, as they are alluded to in literature or depicted in art. I love Japanese literature.

Selected Publications

"Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackboard." Raritan (Winter 2006 Vol. XXV, No. 3) 47-69.

"Kant’s Last Cup." Chapbook. Pocatello, Idaho: Blue Scarab Press, 2006.

Pilgrims and Natives: Literary and Artistic Journeys. Editor, with Tom Klein. Rendezvous. (Spring 2004, Vol. 38 No. 2).

"Caffeine and the Coming of the Enlightenment,” Raritan (Spring 2003 Vol. XXIII, No. 1) 129 – 149.

A History of Teeth. Editor. Rendezvous (Spring 2002-03, Vols. 36 & 37).

The Manufacture of Glass: Essays. Rendezvous (Spring 2001, Vol. 35, No. 2).  

Courses Taught

• Eighteenth-Century Literature
• Introduction to Literature
• Samuel Johnson
• Bob Dylan
• Chekhov and Tolstoy
• Japanese Literature in Translation
• World Literature Survey (early & late)
• British Literature Survey (early & late)
• Writing (English 91, 101, 102, 401/501, 431/531, 631)

Office: LA 271
Office Phone: 282-2374
schmroge@isu.edu