Robert Phillip Shulman

Robert Phillip Shulman

Robert Shulman, Professor Emeritus of English, at the University of Washington, died on Monday October 23, 2017, at Swedish hospital. Bob received his B.A. from Syracuse University in 1952, and his M.A.(1954) and PhD (1959) at Ohio State University, After teaching a year at the University of Wisconsin, he came west in 1961 to begin a long career at the University of Washington. He taught American Literature, and retired in 2007.

Bob was a dedicated teacher of undergraduate and graduate students. He treated every student with respect and encouraged their curiosity and reflection. Bob also wrote many academic articles exploring a variety of American authors, their work, and the time and context in which they lived. Herman Melville, Frederick Douglass, and Richard Wright were a few of many who received his scholarly attention. He also wrote two books: one on social criticism of American fictions of the nineteenth century and the other about authors of the left during the 1930's.

Bob was an intellectual in the liberal Western tradition. He cherished the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice. Bob received Fulbrights, and invitations to speak at American Studies conferences as well as English departments in the US and Europe. He also taught at several different institutions while on leave.

Family was at the core of his life. He is survived by his wife Sondra, daughter Natasha (Lady Krishna), son David and his wife, Smadar, and granddaughter, Talia. Contributions to his legacy can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.