Charlotte Hardman Graham Harvey

Graham Harvey, born in 1959, is an English scholar in the field of religious studies. He earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, focusing his doctoral research on group identity within ancient Jewish literature. Following his academic achievements, Harvey held teaching positions in religious studies at Newcastle and King Alfred's College, Winchester. Since 2003, he has been a professor at the Open University, also serving as head of the religious studies department from 2013 to 2017.

Harvey's research interests expanded into modern Paganism after an invitation to speak on contemporary Druids. This led to extensive fieldwork and several significant publications, including "Listening People, Speaking Earth: Contemporary Paganism" (1997) and "Researching Paganisms" (2004). He has also made notable contributions to the study of indigenous religions and animism, authoring "Animism: Respecting the Living World" (2005) and editing "The Handbook of Contemporary Animism" (2013). His work "Food, Sex & Strangers: Understanding Religion as Everyday Life" (2013) proposes an understanding of religion grounded in daily practices and behaviors rather than solely in belief systems. Harvey himself engages with modern Paganism through Druid orders and with ecological activists interested in animism, while also participating in Jewish celebrations.

Graham Harvey's academic journey began with a Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, where his dissertation explored themes of group identity in ancient Jewish literature. He subsequently taught religious studies in Newcastle before moving to King Alfred's College in Winchester. Since 2003, Harvey has been associated with the Open University, where he holds a professorship and previously led the religious studies department. His scholarly focus is primarily on modern Paganism, indigenous spiritual traditions, and the concept of animism, areas he has extensively researched and written about.

Harvey's engagement with contemporary Paganism intensified through fieldwork, leading to influential publications such as "Listening People, Speaking Earth: Contemporary Paganism" and "Researching Paganisms." He has also significantly contributed to the understanding of animism with his monograph "Animism: Respecting the Living World" and the edited collection "The Handbook of Contemporary Animism." His approach to defining religion, as seen in "Food, Sex & Strangers: Understanding Religion as Everyday Life," emphasizes the role of everyday behaviors and practices. Harvey's personal involvement includes practicing modern Paganism within Druid orders and engaging with animist perspectives alongside ecological activists.