Reesing, John 1920-1990

John Palmer Reesing, Jr. (1920-91) was a Professor of English at The George Washington University.Dr. Reesing was born September 15, 1920 in Gatesville, Texas. He earned his B.A. from Baylor University in 1941, his M.A. from Tulane University in 1942 and his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1954. He served in the Army during World War II, from 1942-46, and ended his service as a First Lieutenant. Dr. Reesing came to GW in 1946 as an Instructor in English. In 1953 he left to teach at Oberlin College for one year and then returned to GW in 1954, retiring in 1988 and being conferred Emeritus status.He served as Chair of the English Department from 1963-70, and acting chair from 1972-73. Dr. Reesing specialized in 17th century English literature and John Milton. He was the author of "Milton's Poetic Art" (1968), and a member of the Modern Language Association of America, the Renaissance Society of America, and International Association of University Professors of English. Professor Reesing died in 1991. N.B. This history note was written in 2005