Christopher Dean
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Christopher Dean, B.A., Ph.D. (Leeds), is Professor Emeritus in the English Department at the University of Saskatchewan, retiring in 1995.
A scholar in the history of the English Language and in medieval literature, he has published more than twenty articles in scholarly journals. In more recent years he has specialized in the Arthurian legend and published three books: Arthur of England (University of Toronto Press, 1987), A Study of Merlin in English Literature from the Middle Ages to the Present Day (Edwin Mellen Press, 1992) showcased in the 2007 University Authors Exhibition and The Lady of the Lake in Arthurian Legend (Edwin Mellen Press, 1993).
His interest in Merlin has led him more and more into a wider study of fantasy literature and he is currently working on the concept of the hero in that genre. He hopes also to follow up a long held ambition of producing a new edition of Cursor Mundi.
Branching out in a totally different direction, he and his wife plan to collaborate on a book on the history of Saskatchewan churches. As both are better than average photographers, they propose to illustrate their book with their own photographs.
Professor Dean continues to take his knowledge of the Middle Ages to a wider audience than regular university students and this is the fifth year in a row that he has given a course to senior citizens through the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan. He has also taught Elder Hostel classes in the USA.
He lectures frequently to community groups through the public library system. He is active in UNICEF, where he is the provincial treasurer. He is a member of the vestry at St. James Anglican church and is currently chairman of their Mission Committee. His knowledge of philately is such that he is frequently asked to judge at the Saskatoon Stamp Club's annual exhibition.