# Matthew T. Dickerson

> American Tolkien scholar

**Wikidata**: [Q751131](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q751131)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_T._Dickerson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matthew-t-dickerson

## Summary
Matthew T. Dickerson is an American computer scientist and Tolkien scholar born in 1963. He is known for his academic work in computer science and his scholarship on J.R.R. Tolkien's writings. Dickerson has published extensively in both technical computer science and literary studies.

## Biography
- Born: June 12, 1963
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Dartmouth College, Cornell University
- Known for: Computer science research and Tolkien scholarship
- Employer(s): Not specified in source material
- Field(s): Computer science, literary studies

## Contributions
Matthew T. Dickerson has made contributions to both computer science and Tolkien scholarship. As a computer scientist, he has an Erdős number of 3, indicating his connection to the mathematical community through co-authored papers. His academic work spans technical computer science research as well as literary analysis of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. Dickerson has published under his full name "Matthew T. Dickerson" and is recognized in academic databases including DBLP, ISFDB, and various library authority files. His scholarship bridges the technical and literary worlds, making him a unique figure who contributes to both computational theory and the study of fantasy literature.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Matthew T. Dickerson known for?
A: Matthew T. Dickerson is known for his work as both a computer scientist and a Tolkien scholar, publishing in both technical computer science and literary studies of J.R.R. Tolkien's works.

### Q: Where did Matthew T. Dickerson study?
A: Matthew T. Dickerson studied at Dartmouth College and Cornell University, though specific degrees are not mentioned in the source material.

### Q: What is Matthew T. Dickerson's Erdős number?
A: Matthew T. Dickerson has an Erdős number of 3, indicating his connection to the mathematical community through co-authored papers.

## Why They Matter
Matthew T. Dickerson matters because he represents a rare combination of technical and literary scholarship. His ability to contribute meaningfully to both computer science and Tolkien studies demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary thinking. In computer science, his research and Erdős number of 3 connect him to the broader mathematical and computational community. In Tolkien scholarship, he helps preserve and analyze the cultural significance of one of the most influential fantasy authors of the 20th century. Dickerson's dual expertise shows how technical and humanistic knowledge can complement each other, enriching both fields through cross-pollination of ideas and methodologies.

## Notable For
- Erdős number of 3 in computer science
- Published scholarship on J.R.R. Tolkien's works
- Academic affiliation with Dartmouth College and Cornell University
- Recognition in multiple academic databases (DBLP, ISFDB, library authority files)
- Bridging computer science and literary studies

## Body
### Academic Background
Matthew T. Dickerson received his education from Dartmouth College and Cornell University, establishing his foundation in computer science. His academic credentials are recognized through various authority files and identifiers across multiple library systems.

### Research Contributions
Dickerson's research spans both technical computer science and literary analysis. His Erdős number of 3 indicates active participation in the mathematical and computational research community, suggesting co-authorship with researchers who have direct connections to Paul Erdős.

### Tolkien Scholarship
As an American Tolkien scholar, Dickerson has contributed to the academic study of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. His scholarship helps preserve and analyze the cultural and literary significance of Tolkien's fantasy literature, which has had enormous influence on modern fantasy writing and popular culture.

### Academic Recognition
Dickerson is recognized across multiple academic and library systems, with identifiers in DBLP (computer science bibliography), ISFDB (Internet Speculative Fiction Database), and various national library authority files. His work is cataloged in WorldCat and other major bibliographic databases.

### Interdisciplinary Impact
The combination of Dickerson's computer science expertise and Tolkien scholarship represents an unusual but valuable interdisciplinary approach. This dual focus allows him to contribute to both the technical advancement of computing and the cultural understanding of influential literary works.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
5. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
6. IdRef
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File