professor & Author
Chris Pipkin
While I write and teach in a variety of genres, my work almost always involves interpreting (and teaching others to interpret) the past fairly, without demonizing or dismissing. By reclaiming forgotten perspectives, we can find ways to think about God, ourselves, and the world around us that are at once creative, traditional, and true.
Experience
My ResumÉ
Classes Taught
Years Teaching
Devotionals
Conference Presentations
Academic Works
Employment
Associate Professor of English
Since 2017, I have been a professor of English at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA.
Published Articles
“Love Without Mesure: Proverb Problems in the Lais of Marie de France.” Neophilologus 103(2019): 307-321.
“Monster Relics: The Giant, the Archangel, and Mont-Saint-Michel in the Alliterative Morte Arthure.” Arthuriana 27.1 (2017): 95-113.
Conferences
Conferences & Panels: 2012–2022
2012–2014
“Saint Grendel? ‘Monster Relics’ in Beowulf.” 8th Annual Graduate Conference on Medieval Studies at the The Catholic University of America. Washington, DC, April 2014.
“How to Dress a Giant in Human Clothes: The Alliterative Morte Arthure and the Kings-Beard Kirtle.” 7th Annual Graduate Conference on Medieval Studies at The Catholic University of America. Washington, DC, April 2013.
“The Devourer’s New Clothes: Beowulf and the Riddle of Grendel’s Glof.” 6th Annual Graduate Conference on Medieval Studies at the Catholic University of America. Washington, DC, April 2012.
“Finite Morals and Fin’ Amor: The Role of Maxims and Tropes in the Lais of Marie de France.” 47th International Congress on Medieval Studies. Kalamazoo, MI, May 2012.
2015–2018
“The Castle in the Wilderness.” Southeastern Medieval Association (SEMA), Nassau, Bahamas, November 2018.
“Sir Orfeo’s Castle as Reliquary.” International Medieval Congress, University of Leeds, England, July 2017.
“Monster Relics: The Giant, the Archangel, and Mont-St-Michel in the Alliterative Morte
Arthure.” 51st International Congress on Medieval Studies, Kalamazoo, MI, May 2016.
“Monster Relics: Grendel as Glory-Token and Sea-Loot.” 2015 meeting of the Southeastern Medieval Association. Little Rock, AR, October 2015.
“(Re)Imagining the Human Person.” Panel. First Annual Arts and Sciences Conversation Series at The Catholic University of America. Washington, DC, September 2015.
2019–present
“Medieval English Time Travel.” International Medieval Congress, University of Leeds, England, July 2022.
“Sir Gawain and the Crown of Thorns.” Southeastern Medieval Association (SEMA), Spartanburg, NC, November 2021. (Upcoming)
“Beowulf’s Funeral as Gift Exchange.” Southeastern Medieval Association (SEMA), Greensboro, NC, November 2019.
Creative Works
The Inklings Variety Hour
Listen Now
I host a podcast in which fans and scholars of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, and others discuss their works and lives.
My wife and I created a devotional blog dedicated to the liturgical season of Twelve Tide, celebrating the twelve days of Christmas. You can also purchase the book on Amazon.
Who Goes with Fergus?
Buy Here
I created a children’s book that allows parents to memorize good poetry while rereading children’s books. “Who Goes with Fergus” is a Yeats poem as interpreted by my goofy illustrations of dinosaurs driving cars. You can find it on Amazon.
Education
The Catholic University of America
2016
Ph.D. in English Literature
Dissertation: “Monster Relics in medieval English Literature”
Duquesne University
2010
I earned my MA in English Literature, specializing in medieval Literature.
Grove City College
2004
I earned my BA in English Literature.
About
origins
I learned to write by reading an assortment of books I found around the house and at the public library where I lived in rural Virginia. When my adventures in the woods and meadows outside did not result in the discovery of a genie’s lamp or the portal to another world, I would compensate by writing alternative accounts. Over time, my desire to find or make another world drew me (and still draws me) back to books and blank paper, as I grew in my faith, traveled, became a teacher and literary scholar, and married my beautiful and omnicompetent wife. We’ve settled ourselves, along with a few noisy but happy children, in Georgia—where I teach, podcast, pray, read, and write. There are woods outside, and my house is full of books.
Work
What I write on
Devotionals
Twelve Tide
Dwell (Forthcoming)
Prose & Poetry
Collection of Weird Tales
The Medieval World
On the Inklings
Show Notes for the Podcast
Work
All things
I write in a range of near-incompatible genres, from devotionals, poetry, and fiction to articles and books about medieval literature. I host a podcast called The Inklings Variety Hour about C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and their pals, and my wife and I write a blog with resources for people who want to celebrate Christmas more creatively and traditionally. And when I’m able, I get on a plane and explore the world, seeking to uncover so many stories hidden in other lands.
Contact Me
Get In Touch
I’d love to hear from (or work with) you, whether about medieval literature, the Inklings, teaching, or writing. Email below for more information.