English professor dies of liver cancer

English Professor Hennig Cohen died December 12 of liver cancer at his home in Swarthmore, Pa. He was 77 years old. Cohen, remembered by colleagues as a "gracious and warm friend," taught and studied American literature and society, specializing in the works of Herman Melville. He gained respect as one of the leading Melville scholars of the century, teaching in the University's English department for 40 years. English Professor Emeritus Daniel Hoffman, Cohen's colleague for 30 years and neighbor, said the illness was a "very sudden and terrible surprise." Cohen died only six weeks after doctors diagnosed his cancer. "He faced his death with calm, courage and grace," Hoffman said. Hoffman said he was present at Cohen's final lecture of his career last October 23, an introduction to Moby Dick in a College of General Studies freshman seminar class. The "brilliant performance" examined the definitions of the whale in 12 languages, Hoffman said, and was his "very best as his very last." Cohen's death signifies a "great, great loss" for his students and colleagues, English Professor Robert Regan said. Cohen and Regan worked together as editors of Mark Twain's travel writings, which will be published soon, according to Regan. Colleagues recall Cohen's Southern nature as a native of South Carolina. "My sense is that he was a real Southern gentleman," English Professor Alice Kelley said, adding that Cohen worked until the day he received news of his illness. Kelley said Cohen remained a part of the lives of students as a CGS professor, even after he retired from the English Department in 1992. And even after retirement, Cohen continued to lead an active lifestyle, exercising at Gimbel Gymnasium three times a week, according to Regan. Cohen served as president of the American Melville Society and founded The Melville Newsletter. He also edited the American Quarterly magazine, which Regan called the "most important journal in the study of American civilization." Cohen received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. degree from Tulane University. Among other awards, Cohen earned fellowships including the Guggenheim, Newberry Library and National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships. Cohen is survived by his wife Merrie Lou, sons David, Mark and Jonathan, brother David and six grandchildren.