Biography
Educational Background
PhD, Stony Brook University, 1997
B.A., Claremont McKenna College, 1985
Interests and Specializations
Geomythology, medieval and early modern literature, fantasy literature, literary theory.
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).
Books & Major Projects
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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
Specialty & Upper-Level Seminars:
- 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
- Literary Forensics
- Ecocriticism
- Gnosticism and its Discontents
- 17th Century Poetry and Prose
Foundational Literature & Composition:
- British Literature I & II
- The Art of the Novel
- Introduction to the Short Story / Poetry / Drama
- Creative Writing
- American Literature since 1865
- English Composition I & II