Richard Schoch is a cultural historian and author whose work explores the transformative power of art, theatre, and literature. He is a professor at Queen's University Belfast, where he specializes in the history of theatre and performance. His book "How Sondheim Can Change Your Life" passionately argues that the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim's work offers profound wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life. Schoch writes with warmth, wit, and accessibility, bridging the gap between academic scholarship and popular readership. He has also written widely on Victorian theatre and the cultural history of Shakespeare.