Ed Steidle in India

Ed Steidle began his graduate studies in comparative literature at Johns Hopkins University and went on to earn his master’s degree and doctorate at UC Berkeley. Since joining the Stanford faculty in 1984, he has taught in various departments, including the Western Culture program, the literature and arts track of the English department and the graduate program in the humanities. He also developed the successful Crossroads series for the Continuing Studies program. Dr. Steidle's background is in comparative literature and medieval literature, and he teaches on the arts and literatures of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He has focused his studies on the cultures of antiquity and the medieval world across Eurasia, on the comparative aspects of their history, literature and art. Most recently he has taught a series of classes on the European Renaissance and its impact on non-Western cultures.

On this trip, Ed will explore, among other topics, the Vedic period and the parallels between Indian and Greek epic traditions.  He will also examine the evolution of the Axial Age in India, the Upanishads and Buddhism in particular, and the pivotal function that the tales of Krishna may have played in Sufism and its diffusion in the medieval West.  The Mughal Dynasty, its role in inspiring the great illustrated books of the age and its relationship with Safavid Persia, will be covered as well.

• Joined Stanford faculty in 1984

• Has taught in Stanford’s English department, graduate program in the humanities and Continuing Studies program

• Created the Crossroads and the Making of the Modern World series for Stanford’s Continuing Studies program

• BA, English literature and Eastern philosophy, Franklin & Marshall College

• MA, comparative literature, and PhD, medieval comparative literature, Johns Hopkins University UC Berkeley

• PhD, medieval comparative literature, UC Berkeley