Russ Castronovo

About the Author

Russ Castronovo is a distinguished scholar and author whose work explores the intersections of American literature, culture, and political theory. A professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he has made significant contributions to American studies through his incisive analyses of national identity, crisis, and the material dimensions of cultural objects. In his acclaimed book, States of Emergency: The Object of American Studies, Castronovo examines how emergencies shape the discipline, challenging conventional narratives and revealing the tangible artifacts that define American intellectual history. With a career spanning numerous publications and editorial roles, including co-editing key anthologies, Castronovo continues to influence debates on democracy, race, and representation in the American canon, blending rigorous scholarship with provocative insights.