Jessica Mitford
Jessica Mitford
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Jessica Lucy Freeman-Mitford was born to a British aristocratic family, commonly known as the Mitford Sisters.
#### Birth and Death Dates
June 28, 1917 – July 22, 1996
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
English-American author, lawyer, and activist. Jessica Mitford's nationality evolved from British to American over time due to her marriage and residency in the United States.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family known for their eccentricities and strong conservative leanings, Jessica was the fourth of six daughters. Her sisters, Nancy, Pamela, Unity, Diana, and Deborah, would go on to make headlines with their own controversies and pursuits. Jessica's upbringing at the family's ancestral home in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire, exposed her to a life of privilege but also instilled in her a strong sense of justice.
Major Accomplishments
Jessica Mitford's transformation from an upper-class debutante to a committed socialist and advocate for social justice was marked by several significant accomplishments:
In the 1930s, Jessica became involved with the Communist Party and traveled extensively throughout Europe.
During World War II, she worked as a librarian at the House of Commons in London, where her anti-war sentiments only intensified.
After immigrating to the United States in 1949, Mitford married an American lawyer, Bob Treuhaft, and began practicing law herself.Notable Works or Actions
Jessica's most notable works include:
"The American Way of Death," a critical expose of the funeral industry that sparked controversy and reform.
* "A Fine Old Conflict," her memoir about her experiences with the Communist Party in America, which provided a unique perspective on McCarthyism.
Impact and Legacy
Jessica Mitford's unflinching commitment to social justice left an indelible mark on American society. Her tireless advocacy for the rights of prisoners, particularly those on death row, led to significant changes in the way capital punishment is administered. Through her writing and activism, Jessica Mitford has inspired generations of human rights advocates and authors.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jessica Mitford's compelling life story and unwavering dedication to social justice have cemented her place as a prominent figure in American history. Her remarkable transformation from an aristocratic upbringing to a passionate advocate for the marginalized has inspired countless individuals to engage with issues of inequality and human rights.
Quotes by Jessica Mitford
When is conduct a crime, and when is a crime not a crime? When “Somebody Up There” – a monarch, a dictator, a Pope, a legislator – so decrees.
I have nothing against undertakers personally. It’s just that I wouldn’t want one to bury my sister.
Knowing few children of my age with whom to compare notes, I envied the children of literature to whom interesting things were always happening...
Things on the whole are faster in America; people don’t stand for election, they run for office. If a person says he’s sick, it doesn’t mean regurgitating, it means ill. Mad means angry, not insane. Don’t ask for the left-luggage; it’s called a checkroom.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Where, indeed. Many a badly stung survivor, faced with the aftermath of some relative’s funeral, has ruefully concluded that the victory has been won hands down by a funeral establishment – in disastrously unequal battle.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Where, indeed. Many a badly stung survivor, faced with the aftermath of some relative's funeral, has ruefully concluded that the victory has been won hands down by a funeral establishment - in disastrously unequal battle.
