Biography
Educational Background & Appointments
- PhD, Stony Brook University, 1997
- B.A., Claremont McKenna College, 1985
- Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor, Carleton College (Fall 2026)
Interests and Specializations
Geomythology, medieval and early modern literature, fantasy literature, literary theory, honors education.
About
Dr. Burbery explores the intersections of literature, science, and the environment. He is a recognized pioneer in geomythology—a hybrid discipline that gleans scientific truths about ancient earth events from myths, legends, and literary texts.
His public-facing scholarship on these topics has been featured by TED-Ed, Popular Science, Outside/In (New Hampshire PR), The Times of India, BBC Future, The Atlantic, The Independent (UK), The Conversation, Hakai Magazine (Canada), and international radio outlets like Newstalk (Ireland). Notably, his TED-Ed lesson, “Why do so many cultures have dragon legends?” has garnered over two million views.
Books & Major Projects
- Geomythology: How Common Stories Reflect Earth Events (Routledge, 2021). The field’s first foundational textbook, exploring the proto-scientific origins of Cyclopes, griffin legends, killer lakes, and meteor impacts.
- “A superb production … 5 stars.” — Patrick Nunn, author of Worlds in Shadow
- “Geomythology’s first textbook.” — BBC Future
- Milton the Dramatist (Duquesne University Press, 2007). Recovers the crucial, often-overlooked balance of John Milton’s total literary achievement by evaluating his dramatic works (Comus, Samson Agonistes) in performance.
- “A refreshingly original study … groundbreaking work.” — Studies in English Literature
- “A model of responsible literary criticism.” — Renaissance Quarterly
His shorter research appears in Folklore Journal, Geoheritage, Milton Studies, Milton Quarterly, The Ben Jonson Journal, English Language Notes, and Christianity & Literature.
Dr. Burbery lives in West Virginia with his wife, Hannah. They have two children, Peter and Claire.
Favorite Quotes
“The solution to the riddle of life in space and time lies outside space and time.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein
“The intellect, that dealer in second-hand goods ….” — George MacDonald
Courses Taught
Honors Seminars (Personally Designed)
- Mything Persons: Legendary figures who changed history—despite probably never existing.
- Out of the Blue: Literature and Film on the Sea
- Hobbits in Appalachia
- Game of Thrones& Shakespeare
- Green Tolkien
- Poets’ CSI: Literary Forensics
- Gnosticism and its Discontents
Foundational Literature & Composition
- British Literature I & II
- Fantasy Literature
- Science Fiction
- Scientific and Technical Writing
- Literary Theory
- English Composition I & II