Jessica Mitford Quotes
Jessica Mitford
Jessica Mitford (1917-1996) was an English-American author and investigative journalist. She is best known for her 1963 book The American Way of Death, which exposed the funeral industry’s exploitative practices. Mitford also wrote several other books, including Kind and Usual Punishment: The…Read More
Jessica Mitford (1917-1996) was an English-American author and investigative journalist. She is best known for her 1963 book The American Way of Death, which exposed the funeral industry’s exploitative practices. Mitford also wrote several other books, including Kind and Usual Punishment: The Prison Business (1973), A Fine Old Conflict (1977), and The American Way of Birth (1992). She was a prominent member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice.Read Less
Jessica Mitford (1917-1996) was an English-American author and investigative journalist. She is best known for her 1963 book The American Way of Death, which exposed the funeral industry’s exploitative practices. Mitford also wrote several other books, including Kind and Usual Punishment: The Prison Business (1973), A Fine Old Conflict (1977), and The American Way of Birth (1992). She was a prominent member of the Communist Party of Great Britain and a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice.
7 Top Jessica Mitford Quotes
Jessica Mitford Career Highlights
- Jessica Mitford was born into a wealthy British aristocratic family, but she rebelled against her upbringing and became a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights.
- In 1937, she eloped with her cousin, Esmond Romilly, and moved to Spain to fight against the fascist regime of Francisco Franco.
- Mitford’s first book, “Hons and Rebels” (1960), was a memoir of her childhood and her family’s political beliefs. It became a bestseller and established her as a writer.
- In the 1950s, Mitford moved to the United States and became involved in the civil rights movement. She wrote articles for various publications, including The Nation and The New York Times, exposing racial discrimination and segregation in the South.
- Mitford’s most famous work, “The American Way of Death” (1963), was an exposé of the funeral industry and its exploitative practices. It sparked a national conversation and led to reforms in the industry.
- She continued to write and publish books on various topics, including consumer rights, prison reform, and the American political system.
- Mitford was also a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and a supporter of the anti-war movement.
- In 1977, she co-authored “The Book of the Dead” with her husband, Robert Treuhaft, which exposed the abuses of the funeral industry in the United Kingdom.
- Mitford’s last book, “Poison Penmanship: The Gentle Art of Muckraking” (1979), was a collection of her investigative journalism pieces.
Key Contributions by Jessica Mitford
- Mitford’s writing and activism brought attention to important social issues and helped bring about change. Her work on the funeral industry, in particular, led to reforms and better consumer protections.
- She used her privilege and platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for marginalized communities.
- Mitford’s writing style was witty, engaging, and accessible, making complex issues more relatable to the general public.
What Sets Jessica Mitford Apart
- Mitford’s rebellious nature and rejection of her aristocratic upbringing set her apart from her family and social class. She chose to use her privilege for the greater good rather than conform to societal expectations.
- She was a fearless and outspoken advocate for social justice, often putting herself in danger to fight for what she believed in.
- Mitford’s writing was a unique blend of investigative journalism and personal storytelling, making her work both informative and entertaining.
Takeaways
- Jessica Mitford’s career highlights the power of using one’s privilege and platform for social change.
- Her work serves as a reminder to question and challenge societal norms and to stand up for what is right.
- Mitford’s writing style and approach to activism show the importance of making complex issues accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
