George Lyman Kittredge

Who was George Lyman Kittredge?

George Lyman Kittredge was a celebrated professor and scholar of English literature at Harvard University. His scholarly edition of the works of William Shakespeare as well as his writings and lectures on Shakespeare and other literary figures made him one of the most influential American literary critics of the early 20th century. He was also of great importance in American folklore studies, continuing the work of his mentor, Francis James Child, the first person to hold a chair at Harvard dedicated to the study of English literature and author of a definitive five-volume comparative study of the English and Scottish popular ballad. As a folklorist Kittredge was instrumental in encouraging American folk song and folklore collecting among all ethnic groups in all regions of the country.