Alan Jacobs, born in 1958, is a distinguished scholar and literary critic specializing in English literature. He holds a professorship in the humanities within the honors program at Baylor University. His academic journey includes earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama in 1980 and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Virginia in 1987.

Before his tenure at Baylor, Jacobs served as the Clyde S. Kilby professor of English at Wheaton College in Illinois. Beyond his academic pursuits and authored books, he has been a consistent contributor to prominent publications such as The Atlantic, First Things, and The New Atlantis. Jacobs identifies as an evangelical Anglican. His published works explore themes of reading, culture, Christian humanism, and the challenges of modern thought.

Alan Jacobs's scholarship engages deeply with literature and its cultural implications. His work often examines how we read and interpret texts in the context of contemporary society. Books like 'The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction' and 'How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds' suggest a focus on the intellectual and philosophical challenges of navigating modern life. He explores how historical and religious traditions can inform our understanding of the present, as seen in 'The Year of Our Lord 1943: Christian Humanism in an Age of Crisis.' His contributions also extend to cultural history, as evidenced by 'Original Sin: A Cultural History,' indicating a broad interest in the evolution of ideas and societal norms.

A significant thread in Jacobs's work involves the practice of reading and interpretation through a spiritual lens. His book 'A Theology of Reading: The Hermeneutics of Love' directly addresses how understanding and meaning-making can be approached with a perspective rooted in love and faith. This aligns with his broader explorations of Christian thought and its application to contemporary issues. Works such as 'Looking Before and After: Testimony and the Christian Life' and 'Shaming the Devil: Essays in Truthtelling' further indicate a commitment to examining spiritual themes and their relevance to personal and communal life. His biography of C. S. Lewis, 'The Narnian,' also highlights his engagement with influential Christian writers and thinkers.