The literary and academic worlds are mourning the loss of Joshua Clover, a celebrated poet, theorist, and professor at the University of California, Davis, who has passed away at the age of 63.
Clover, born in 1962, was a towering figure across the fields of poetry, critical theory, and political economy. He taught English, Comparative Literature, and Critical Theory at UC Davis and served as the Director of the Marxist Institute for Research. His intellectual reach extended even further as affiliated faculty with the departments of French and Italian, Cultural Studies, and Film Studies.
Known for his fierce intellect and revolutionary spirit, Clover authored the influential book Riot.Strike.Riot: The New Era of Uprisings (2016), which examined the evolving nature of class struggle through the lens of riots and strikes. His work eerily anticipated the waves of global unrest that would follow in subsequent years. Clover’s upcoming projects focused on understanding liberatory movements amid the dual crises of capitalist decline and climate catastrophe.
Over his prolific career, Clover published seven books, spanning poetry, critical theory, and cultural commentary. His poetry collections — including Red Epic and Madonna anno domini — captivated readers worldwide and were translated into over a dozen languages. His sharp analysis appeared in major journals like Representations and Critical Inquiry and was honored with awards such as the Walt Whitman Award, Pushcart Prizes, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.
News of his death has shaken colleagues and friends.
The School of Materialist Research, where Clover had recently joined the faculty, shared, “We are devastated to learn and inform you that our friend, colleague, and one of the great ones, Joshua Clover, has passed away. May his work and name not be forgotten.” Clover had been set to teach a fall 2025 course titled Marx in the Present Tense, exploring new methods of understanding class struggle today.
Political theorist Jodi Dean expressed her grief, writing, “Devastated by the news of Joshua Clover’s death. He was a comrade and a close frenemy… He was there when it counted, from sending the perfect music when my daughter left for college to supporting me during my suspension last spring.”
Former Spin magazine editor Craig Marks reflected, “Joshua loved music and loved criticism. His live-wire energy and brilliant mind made him an unforgettable friend. RIP.”
Clover’s career was marked not just by scholarly achievements but by his passion for connecting art, politics, and the everyday struggles of life under capitalism. His presence at the University of Copenhagen, University of Paris VIII, and Warwick University further cemented his global influence.
Born with a restlessly curious mind, Clover earned his MFA from the University of Iowa in 1991. He began publishing under the pseudonym Jane Dark and quickly became a vital voice in music journalism and literary circles alike.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Joshua Clover is remembered not just for his brilliance but for his humanity — a thinker who challenged systems, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on everyone he touched.
Funeral and memorial details have not yet been announced.