Author
Multi-award-winning books and articles – with top publishers and the most popular press outlets.
Curator
Pioneering exhibitions at prime locations – attracting thousands of visitors and making monumental discoveries.
Broadcaster
More than 100 TV and radio appearances on over 50 stations worldwide – and an in-house broadcaster for the BBC.
About
Professor Islam Issa is a multi-award-winning author, broadcaster, and curator. He has been described as "one of the UK's most significant new thinkers" (BBC).
A literary critic and historian, his work has focused on the cultural history of the Middle East and the modern-day reception of English literature, including Shakespeare, in global contexts.
He is Professor of Literature and History
at Birmingham City University, where he was awarded the university's Researcher of the Year prize for two consecutive years.
With an international repertoire
of publications, exhibitions, TV and radio programmes, and speaking tours – he is bringing pioneering approaches and fresh narratives to the fields of literature, history, and cultural studies.
ALEXANDRIA: THE CITY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
now available in the UK π¬π§, the USA πΊπΈ, Australia π¦πΊ and as Audiobook π§
TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
TLS BOOK OF THE YEAR
BOOKLIST BOOK OF THE YEAR
WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR
βββββ
"Monumental and vividly imagined" (Daily Telegraph)
"Wonderfully entertaining" (Sunday Times)
"Written with vim and vigour" (Times)
"Elegant and poignant" (Times Literary Supplement)
"Lively and engrossing" (Literary Review)
"Outstanding ... fantastic" (Foreword)
"Delightful and invigorating" (Middle East Monitor)
"Enthralling ... breathtaking" (Witness)
"A mesmerising journey" (Al Jazeera)ο»Ώ
Upcoming/Recent Events
Alexandria @ Charleston Festival
Joined by Seven Wonders
author Bettany Hughes, Islam Issa will discuss his new book on Alexandria
and how these ancient monuments created a rich cultural legacy that has shaped the military and political
history of the last two millennia. Hosted by Naoíse Mac Sweeney.
Charleston in Firle, East Sussex
May 22
1. p.m.
1. p.m.
Alexandria @ HistFest
The biggest history festival in London hosts an event on the long and fascinating history of Alexandria and Islam Issa's new book, Alexandria: The City that Changed the World. In conversation with Michael Wood.
British Library, London
Apr 14 3. p.m.
Panelist @ Renaissance Society of America
A Milton Society of America roundtable at the 70th Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America, to consider changing role of teaching and writing about the work of John Milton within the academic profession and in different contexts across the world.
Palmer House Hilton, Chicago
Mar 23
9. a.m.
9. a.m.
Bettany Hughes in conversation with Islam Issa
Award-winning historian Bettany Hughes discusses her latest book, The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in conversation with Islam Issa, author of the Sunday Times and TLS Book of the Year, Alexandria. Bettany and Islam will also be signing copies of their books.
Waterstones, Birmingham
Jan 23
6. p.m.
6. p.m.
Waterstones Christmas Evening
Waterstones presents its annual Christmas Customer Evening. Filled with festivities, including mince pies, Christmas related activities, and the chance to meet some of your favourite authors and get a signed copy of Islam Issa's Alexandria – the perfect Christmas present.
Waterstones, Birmingham
Dec 5
5 p. m.
5 p. m.
Alexandria Book Signing
Hear from Islam Issa as he talks about Alexandria, which has been named as one of the Waterstones Books to Read in 2023 and the History Hit Book of the Month. He will also be available to sign copies of the book.
Waterstones Harborne, Birmingham
Nov 23
6 p. m.
6 p. m.
Alexandria Book Launch
Celebrate the launch of Islam Issa’s most recent book, Alexandria, alongside the author himself. With a cast of characters featuring Cleopatra and Napoleon and spanning millennia of innovation, warfare and cultural achievement, Issa's wide-ranging history of Alexandria paints an unforgettable picture of an iconic city. With a light buffet.
Waterstones, Birmingham
Nov 2
6 p. m.
6 p. m.
Special Lecture @ University of Iowa
As part of Iowa's First Folio 400th anniversary celebrations, Islam Issa delivers a special lecture and discussion on the travels of Shakespeare. Hosted by the Departments of English, History, Religious Studies; International Programs and the Division of World Literatures and Cultures.
University of Iowa, Iowa City
Oct 27 3 p.m.
Guest Lecture @ Mandel Center for Humanities
A special guest talk at Brandeis University's Mandel Center for Humanities, in which Islam Issa considers the history, ownership, and reception of Shakespeare. This event is followed by lunch.
Brandeis University, Waltham
Oct 23
12 p.m.
12 p.m.
The SRS Annual Lecture
Islam Issa delivers the prestigious SRS Annual Lecture and the Society for Renaissance Studies' 10th Biennial Conference's opening plenary. In a conference themed Difficult Pasts, this talk reflects on researching in difficult presents. The event is followed by the opening reception.
International Slavery Museum, Liverpool
July 19
5 p.m.
5 p.m.