Brad Edward Leithauser is an accomplished writer and poet whose life and career have been marked by academic rigor, international experience, and public engagement. Born into a family that valued both the law and children's literature, he carved his own path in the world of words. His journey took him from Detroit to Harvard and beyond, teaching and writing in diverse environments across the globe.

Early Life and Education

Leithauser was born in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up as the son of a lawyer and a university professor who also wrote children's literature. His educational journey began at Cranbrook School, a boarding school that prepared him well for his subsequent academic pursuits at Harvard College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975, and Harvard Law School, where he completed his Juris Doctor in 1980. During his time at Harvard, he met Mary Jo Salter in a writing class. Their shared passion for writing blossomed into a marriage, from which they had two daughters.

Academic and Teaching Career

Leithauser's teaching career is as varied and distinguished as his education. He has imparted his knowledge and love for literature at Amherst College, the University of Iceland as a Fulbright lecturer, and Mount Holyoke College, where he served from 1987 until 2007. In 2008, he joined The Johns Hopkins University as a professor in the Writing Seminars, a department where his wife Mary Jo Salter had been teaching since the previous year. His teaching roles have allowed him to engage with students across continents, enriching his own perspectives and those of his students.

Public Engagement and Literary Playfulness

One of the more charming aspects of Leithauser’s career is his enthusiasm for engaging with the public through poetry. He is known for participating in poetry games, which make the art form accessible and entertaining. Notably, he competed against poet Paul Muldoon in QuickMuse, a friendly speed-writing contest. He and his wife have also enjoyed a playful rivalry, engaging in public contests to see who could craft the best poem on a given topic within fifteen minutes—a challenge they once declared a tie. His commitment to the craft extends beyond the confines of academia, as he has made several appearances on National Public Radio and other public fora, ensuring that poetry remains a lively, dynamic art form.

Global Influences and Personal Life

Leithauser's life has been enriched by a wealth of global experiences. His extensive travels and residencies have taken him to Japan, Iceland, France, England, Italy, and Thailand, among other places. Such experiences have undoubtedly influenced his writing, providing him with a broad palette of cultural influences to draw from. His travels have also led him to explore locales such as Brazil and the Micronesian island of Pohnpei, which is featured in his work Darlington's Fall. Despite his extensive travels, he maintains strong ties to his family, serving as uncle and godfather to Hamilton Leithauser, the lead singer of The Walkmen.

A Distinctive Voice

Though an impressive academic by any standard, Leithauser does not fit the stereotype of the detached scholar. His willingness to engage with audiences and participate actively in literary communities showcases his commitment to making literature an inclusive and interactive experience. His life’s journey—from the educational halls of Harvard to the vibrant cultures of various countries—demonstrates a unique blend of scholarly achievement and creative expression, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.