Lanyu Chen, Jesus

Biographical Information

I completed a BA with honours in Chinese Language and Literature, followed by a master's in Comparative Literature, both at Beijing Normal University. I then came to Cambridge to work on early modern classical reception, where I did an MPhil in English. Continuing to work with Dr Tania Demetriou, I'm now exploring translations, rewritings, and adaptations of the history of the late Roman Republic in (mainly) early modern drama, funded by Cambridge Trust.

Away from thinking about Romans, specifically those of Lucan and Plutarch, and early modern playwrights, I drift between classical concerts, parkside pool, and the Jesus College Archive. During the cooler terms, I usually start my mornings at the Sports Centre with the lovely warm people of Cambridge University Bowmen. When the daylight lingers into the evening, unless Cambridge is in the grip of a heatwave, I am usually outdoors, trying not to 'grip my bow' in the summer breeze.

Research Interests

Apart from early modern classical reception, I sometimes find myself thinking about early modern emotions, women's writing, the interaction between early modern French and English literature, book history (- including ancient Chinese books) and the history of reading.

Selected Publications

Conferences:

1. Flatterers or Friends: Uncovering the Hidden Friendship in Thomas May’s Cleopatra, Society for Renaissance Studies 11th Biennial Conference, University of Bristol, 2–5 July 2025

2. Lucan’s Intervention: Rewriting Exemplary Figures in The False One, Classical Association Conference 2025, University of St Andrews, 11–13 July 2025 (also chaired Early Modern panel)

3. Treacherous Egyptians: Rewriting the Death of Pompey in Early Modern England, Classical Association Conference 2026, Manchester Metropolitan University & The University of Manchester, 10–12 April 2026