East Michigan News

Central Michigan University Professor of English Jeffrey Weinstock experienced a summer marked by significant professional and academic achievements. Known for courses such as Monsters and Their Meanings, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Weinstock was recently honored with the Science Fiction Research Award and the Humanities Scholar of the Year award for his contributions to American Gothic and Horror studies.

The Science Fiction Research Award ceremony occurred in Estonia over the summer, while the Humanities Scholar of the Year ceremony is scheduled for September 22nd at the Andersen Enrichment Center in Saginaw.

Weinstock also published two books this summer: "The Routledge Introduction to the American Ghost Story" and "Disney Gothic: Dark Shadows in the House of Mouse." These works were collaborative efforts with international scholars Dr. Scott Brewster from the University of Lincoln in the U.K. and Dr. Lorna Piatti-Farnell from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.

“Both books allowed me to collaborate with international colleagues, which I find very fulfilling!” said Jeffrey Weinstock.

"The Routledge Introduction to the American Ghost Story" marks Weinstock’s 30th book publication. According to CLASS Dean Rothaus, this achievement makes Weinstock the most prolific scholar in Central Michigan University's history.

In July, Weinstock traveled to Hollywood to be interviewed as an academic authority on a forthcoming documentary about "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," leveraging his extensive knowledge on its history, context, and reception.

“It is very gratifying to have my research and service contributions acknowledged in these ways!” Weinstock stated.

Currently, Weinstock is assuming his role as General Editor of "American Gothic Studies," a new scholarly journal that serves as the official publication of the Society for the Study of the American Gothic. He founded this organization in 2023, which held its first international symposium in Salem last March.

Additionally, he is working on several projects including a textbook titled "The Cambridge Introduction to Speculative Fiction: Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror" for Cambridge University Press; assembling "The Horror Theory Reader," an anthology for University of Minnesota Press; and developing an edited collection titled "Capitalism & The Gothic" for Edinburgh University Press.

His 32nd book, "Gothic Melville," is set to be released this fall.