Jonathan Stableford
Jon holds degrees from Williams College and Wesleyan University and for 43 years taught secondary school English, the last 34 of them at Phillips Academy, Andover, MA. In 2010, he and his wife Cindy retired to South Strafford, VT and have ever since had a close relationship with Osher at Dartmouth. He writes occasional pieces for The Valley News.
Tunnels, Towers, and Everything Imaginable Between (Winter Term 2026)
Participant Testimonials:
Another masterful, thought provoking class for Jon. As always he points out things and makes connections that I would never see if I was reading these books by myself. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have taken many of John's courses and have found them to be a wonderful way to become absorbed in a book or books. The class discussions always add so much to my perspective and they are encouraged.
Jon is a disciplined and powerful intellect.
Another Collection of Collections (Fall Term 2025)
Participant Testimonials:
Leading productive discussions is a talent--and Jon has it. Everyone was comfortable sharing their thoughts often in response to questions that led us to think more deeply.
Jon did a wonderful job encouraging and respecting class participants. The course was thoughtfully designed with interesting and provocative literature. The course is helping me to become a more discerning reader.
E. B. White, Reconsidered (Winter Term 2025)
Participant Testimonials:
Surpassed my expectations. Knew it would be good, but it was great!
This was one of my top 3 best Osher classes of all time. I didn't know E.B. White at all and was capitvated by his writing and life's story. The fact the Jon was "part of the family" made it totally unique. He provided insights that nobody else could have - one of a kind!
Is Gatsby Still Great? (Fall Term 2024)
Participant Testimonials:
Jon engaged the entire class in enthusiastic discussions so I raised my understanding of Fitzgerald and made the acquaintance of people I hope to see more of.
Jon was very organized, had enormous familiarity of his material, and was able to share what he knew in a way that involved the whole class.
A Collection of Collections (Winter Term 2024)
Participant Testimonials:
Jon did a great job guiding us through the stories. Discussions were stimulating.
An ambitious, wide-ranging course on four short story collections, two by authors I was delighted to read for the first tiime.
4xForster: The Literary Range of E.M. Forster (Fall Term 2023)
Participant Testimonials:
He was always well prepared and led the discussions with skill, seeing that everyone was included as they wished.
Our leader has great skill in handling discussion and eliciting comments from class participants.