New Biographies of Celebrated American Women

Sylvia Plath is the subject of two new biographies, both by male authors.  American Isis:  The Life and Art of Sylvia Plath by Carl Rollyson uses some newly accessible files from Ted Hughes’ archives to present a fresh look at the poet.  Rollyson is a professor of journalism and has a particular interest in American popular culture, so his emphasis is on how pop culture influenced Plath and how in turn she has been turned into an icon. Readers looking for an analysis of Plath’s work may be disappointed.

Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson examines Plath's early life, the loss of her father, her relationship with her mother, and her school years to show the foundations of Plath's writing.  It's an interesting and very readable look at how in this case biography shaped art. Wilson draws on material from Plath's mother as well as interviews with friends and relatives.  As one review noted, this is a book that will appeal to people who enjoy a good biography even if they are not familiar with the subject. 

Nancy:  The Story of Lady Astor by Adrian Fort is a new biography of the brash, outspoken  American woman who made her mark in the UK. Born in Danville, Virginia, she went abroad after a bad marriage ended in divorce.  Her wit and beauty quickly won her a place in society as well as a new husband: the very wealthy Waldorf Astor. She ran for the House of Commons and became the first female in MP, exerting an influence on both the political and social scenes. 

In My Beloved World, Sonia Sotomayor tells the inspirational story of how the child of immigrant parents overcame numerous disadvantages to become the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. Sotomayor’s father was an alcoholic who died when she was nine years old, one year after she was diagnosed as being diabetic, but she still describes a life made rich by family.  She was encouraged to reach for her dreams, despite the many obstacles that should have deterred her.  Sotomayor’s writing is good reflection of her intelligence and vivacious personality.

The first female Supreme Court justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, is no stranger to the best seller lists, either. She’s the author of The Majesty of the Law, which discusses the way the American Supreme Court has evolved over the years and presents some of her own experiences as a justice.  In Lazy B, she told of her early life growing up on a cattle ranch in Arizona.  It’s a fascinating look at a vanishing way of life, well told with humor and grace.  O’Connor’s newest book just came out this year:  Out of Order is a brief but informative history of the Supreme Court, including some information on justices and important  cases. 

In Marilyn: the Passion and the Paradox, Lois Banner brings to the public new details of the star’s life, fifty years after Monroe’s death.  A well-known scholar, Banner explores Marilyn’s childhood, sexuality, and premature death, paying particular attention to the political and social landscape of the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Topping out at over 500 pages, this new biography also includes sections of black and white and color photographs.  Fans of Marilyn Monroe will likely enjoy this volume.