About
Erica Jong, born Erica Mann in 1942 in New York, is an American writer. A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University, she first published poetry before achieving international success with her debut novel, Fear of Flying (1973), which sold over 18 million copies and was translated into more than 45 languages. The book, which explores female sexuality with humor and frankness, became a landmark of second-wave feminism. Jong has written numerous other novels, poetry collections, and memoirs, including Fear of Fifty (1994). She has taught at several institutions and received numerous literary awards.
* 1942-03-26
Major works
- Fear of Flying (1973)novel
- How to Save Your Own Life (1977)novel
- Fanny: Being the True History of the Adventures of Fanny Hackabout-Jones (1980)novel
- Fear of Fifty: A Midlife Memoir (1994)memoir
- Seducing the Demon: Writing for My Life (2006)memoir
Key milestones
- 1973Publication of her debut novel, Fear of Flying, which becomes an international bestseller.
- 2007Her personal and literary papers (1955-2018) are acquired by Columbia University's library.
- 2009Receives the Fernanda Pivano Award in Italy.
Themes
feminismfemale sexualityidentitywritingmemory
Sources: findingaids.library.columbia.edu · id.loc.gov · us.macmillan.com