English Faculty 

Ari Berk, Ph.D.

Professor

Language & Literature

Anspach Hall 301-G
(989) 774-2664
berk1ad@cmich.edu

Education

Ph.D., University of Arizona, 1998
M.A., University of Arizona, 1994
Post Graduate Research, Oxford University, 1993
B.A., Humboldt State University, 1991

Teaching Expertise

Mythology
Folklore
American Indian Literature

Research Interests

Folklore Belief and Custom in Rural Britain
Celtic Mythology
Uses and Development of Historiography and Ethnography in 
     Early Modern Intercultural Encounters
Texts and Contexts
American Indian Ethnography
Oral Tradition and Literature

Select Publications

Books

 Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Letters (illustrated by Brian Froud). New York: Harry N. Abrams Books, 2005.

 Goblins! (illustrated by Brian Froud). New York: Harry N. Abrams Books, 2004.

 The Runes of Elfland (illustrated by Brian Froud). New York: Harry N. Abrams Books, 2003.

Articles, Essays, Poetry and Other Recent Publications

 “The Lore of Simple Things — Milk, Honey, and Bread in Myth and Legend.” Realms of Fantasy 12.2 (December 2005): 40-54, 110-111. (reprinted on the Endicott Studio Online Journal of Mythic Arts.)

“The Dance of the Labyrinth.” Realms of Fantasy 11.1 (October 2004): 16-24, 88-89. (Reprinted on the Endicott Studio Online Journal of Mythic Arts.)

Book Introduction. Ancient Spirit, Modern Voice—The Mythic Journeys Art Exhibition. Mythic Imagination Institute, 2003.

“The Song of the Sampo—Mystery and the Numinous in the Kalevala.” Realms of Fantasy 10.3 (February 2004): 16-26. (Reprinted on the Endicott Studio Online Journal of Mythic Arts.)

“Where the White Stag Runs—Boundary and Transformation in Deer Myths.” Realms of Fantasy 9.5 (June 2003): 8-12.

"Penance, Power and Pursuit — On the Trail of the Wild Hunt" (co-authored with CMU undergraduate student, William Spytma). Realms of Fantasy 9.2 (December 2002): 32-41.

 "A Rune With A View: An Introduction To The Visionary Alphabet of the Northern World." Realms of Fantasy 8.4 (April 2002): 16-21, 95.

Poem, “Night Thoughts: Sheherazade.” Endicott Studio Online Journal Of Mythic Arts, 2002.

Poem, “Anatomies,” in the book, The Quest for the Green Man, John Matthews.  Godsfield Press (UK) and Quest Books (US), 2001: 104.

 “Of Travels and Travails—Imagination, Landscape and Narrative.”  Language Arts Journal of Michigan 16.2 (Fall 2000): 28-33.

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English Graduate Program
208 Anspach Hall, Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant MI 48859
(989) 774-3574

Department Office
215 Anspach Hall
(989) 774-3171