Guest Professor David Hawkes Explores Usury and Literature in Engaging Lecture

Guest Professor David Hawkes Explores Usury and Literature in Engaging Lecture

In November, Misericordia University hosted an enlightening lecture titled “A Breed of Barren Mettle: Usury and Literature” presented by guest Professor David Hawkes. The event offered attendees a compelling exploration of the intersection of finance, ethics, and literary tradition.

Professor Hawkes, born and raised in Wales, holds a BA from Oxford University and an MA, M.Phil, and Ph.D. from Columbia University. A prolific scholar, he has authored or edited eleven books, including his most recent work, Money and Magic in Early Modern Drama (Bloomsbury Press, 2022). His essays and reviews have appeared in The Nation, The Times Literary Supplement, The New Criterion, Quillette, and many other esteemed publications.

In his lecture, Hawkes delved into the literary representations of usury—traditionally defined as lending money at unreasonably high interest rates—and its broader cultural and ethical implications. Drawing on historical and contemporary texts, he illuminated how economic practices have shaped and been shaped by literary discourse.

Currently a professor at Arizona State University, Hawkes has held visiting appointments in Turkey, India, China, and Japan. His scholarly achievements include a long-term fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities. He is now working on a book-length project titled Sterile Sex and Fertile Finance from Aristotle to Zimbabwe.

The discussion provided students, faculty, and guests with a unique opportunity to reflect on the ways in which literature can serve as a lens for understanding complex societal issues. Misericordia University continues to prioritize such thought-provoking lectures, reinforcing its commitment to intellectual engagement and interdisciplinary learning.