Islam Issa

Biography

I am a multi-award-winning author, broadcaster, and curator. After receiving my PhD from the University of Birmingham, I joined Birmingham City University as the first Professor of Literature and History.

I have authored six books, curated three exhibitions, and presented numerous TV and radio documentaries. I most regularly teach the specialist final year module on Shakespeare.

Academic expertise

Much of my research has centred on renaissance and early modern literature, especially the writings of John Milton and William Shakespeare. I work primarily on cultural history and reception theory, in addition to digital humanities and literary translation. 

The nature of my literary and historical enquiry also means that I end up touching on several other disciplines including visual art, media, music, philosophy, and theology.

On top of that, through my public writing, broadcasting, exhibitions, and speaking tours, I am a public humanities practitioner who brings pioneering approaches and fresh narratives to the fields of literature, history, and cultural studies.

Industry connections

I have appeared on TV and radio over 100 times on more than 50 different stations worldwide, and in three languages.

I presented the TV documentary Cleopatra and Me (BBC Four) and four radio documentaries: Shakespeare and Terrorism, The Balcony, Forbidden Fruit, and Shakespeare's Brum Ting (BBC Radio 3). I’ve also featured on networks like BBC Two, History Channel, and Netflix.

I have written for BBC History Magazine, Guardian, Independent, New Statesman, Times Higher Education, and Times Literary Supplement.

Notable projects

My book, Alexandria: The City that Changed the World, is a complete history of the magnificent city of Alexandria from its founding to the present day. Among other accolades, Alexandria is a Sunday Times and Times Literary Supplement ‘Book of the Year’, and has been shortlisted for the Runciman Award.