Alan Trachtenberg

Neil Gray, Jr. Professor Emeritus of English and Professor Emeritus of American Studies. Devoted to interpreting icons of American culture within their historical context, beginning with classic work on the Brooklyn Bridge. Studied the relationship between material objects and their literary offspring, examined ties between Indians and immigrants, explored uses of photography in reflecting diverse American perspectives, and melded these into original interpretations of American democratic experience. Honors include the Francis Parkman Prize in American History (2005) and the Charles C. Eldredge Prize in American Art (1990).