Richard Slotkin is a cultural critic, historian, and novelist. He is the Olin Professor of English and American Studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, and in 2010 was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Professor Slotkin graduated from Brooklyn College, received his Ph.D. in American Civilization from Brown University and started teaching at Wesleyan University in 1966. During his time at Wesleyan he helped to establish both the American studies and the film studies programs. Slotkin has won several awards in recognition of his contributions to the field of American studies. He currently lives in Connecticut, where he continues to write and consult on projects dealing with violence, popular culture and Western America.