Jessica Mitford

Jessica Mitford (1917–1996) was a British-born American author, journalist, and political activist, best known for her investigative journalism and her critical examination of American society. Mitford was one of the six daughters of David Freeman-Mitford, 2nd Baron Redesdale, and his wife Sydney, and she was a sister to the writers Nancy and Diana Mitford. Her family was part of the British aristocracy, but Mitford herself became known for her left-wing political views and her critique of social norms.

Early Life

Jessica Mitford was born in Gloucestershire, England, into the prominent Mitford family. Her upbringing was unconventional, with her parents holding both conservative and idiosyncratic views. Despite her aristocratic background, Mitford developed a critical perspective on the class system from a young age. She was educated at home, as were her siblings, which was typical for girls of her class during that time.

Political Activism

Mitford's political activism began in the 1930s when she became involved with the Communist Party. Her marriage to Esmond Romilly, who was a nephew of Winston Churchill and a committed anti-fascist, further solidified her political beliefs. The couple moved to the United States in 1939, where Mitford continued her activism and began her career as a writer.

Career

Mitford's most famous work is The American Way of Death (1963), an exposé of the American funeral industry. In this book, she criticized the commercialization of death and the exploitative practices of the funeral industry. The book was a bestseller and led to significant public discussion and reform within the funeral industry.

Other notable works by Mitford include The Trial of Dr. Spock (1969), which covered the trial of Dr. Benjamin Spock and others for conspiracy to counsel evasion of the draft during the Vietnam War, and Kind and Usual Punishment (1973), a critique of the American prison system.

Personal Life

Mitford's personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy. Her first husband, Esmond Romilly, died during World War II. She later married Robert Treuhaft, a civil rights lawyer, with whom she shared her political activism. Mitford became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1944.

Legacy

Mitford's work has had a lasting impact on journalism and social critique. Her investigative approach and sharp wit have inspired generations of journalists. She is remembered as a pioneering figure in investigative journalism and as a critic of social injustice.

Death

Jessica Mitford died in 1996 in Oakland, California. Her legacy continues through her writings and the ongoing relevance of her critiques of social norms and institutions.

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  Portrait of Jessica Mitford by William Acton

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  The Mitford family in 1928

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  Nancy, Diana, Unity, and Jessica Mitford on Sketch magazine cover, 1932

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  Asthall Manor, Asthall, near Burford

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  Jessica Mitford appearing on "After Dark", 20 August 1988