Jens Kruse was born in Hamburg, Germany a long time ago. After university studies in his native city, he continued on that path at Indiana University and UCLA, where he graduated with a PhD in Comparative Literature. He then taught for 33 years at Wellesley College, “an excellent liberal arts college for women who will make a difference in the world.” Since his retirement, he has taught occasional classes at the Orcas Island Public Library. A more extensive profile is available on the Wellesley College website.