Deborah Cohen

Deborah Cohen is a distinguished historian of modern Britain and Europe, recognized for her extensive research and award-winning publications on societal transformations and individual experiences across various historical contexts. After earning her Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996, Deborah Cohen established herself as a leading historian of modern Britain and Europe. She previously graduated summa cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1990.

Leopold Professor of History. Her commitment to academic leadership also saw her serve as a Faculty Affiliate and former Director of the Graduate Cluster in British Studies at Northwestern. Her 2013 book, ‘Family Secrets: Shame and Privacy in Modern Britain,’ further solidified her reputation, delving into how British families navigated sensitive issues across different historical eras. Her contributions to teaching at Northwestern were recognized with the Clarence ver Steeg Faculty Award and the Charles Deering McCormick Professorship For Excellence in Teaching from 2015 to 2018.

Across her diverse methodological approaches, Cohen’s research consistently explores themes such as state and society interactions, the public narratives of private lives, and the significance of material culture. She frequently contributes to high-profile publications including The Atlantic, New York Review of Books, London Review of Books, and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, Cohen co-edits Cambridge University Press’ acclaimed series, Modern British Histories, reflecting her ongoing influence and leadership within the field.