Fannie Hurst was an American novelist and short-story writer whose works were highly popular during the post-World War I era. Her work combined sentimental, romantic themes with social issues of the day, such as women's rights and race relations. She was one of the most widely read female authors of the 20th century, and for a time in the 1920s she was one of the highest-paid American writers, along with Booth Tarkington. Hurst also actively supported a number of social causes, including feminism, African American equality, and New Deal programs. Although her novels, including Lummox, Back Street, and Imitation of Life, lost popularity over time and were mostly out-of-print as of the 2000s, they were bestsellers when first published and were translated into many languages. She also published over 300 short stories during her lifetime.
| Born: | October 19, 1885, Hamilton, Ohio |
| Died: | February 23, 1968 (aged 82), New York City |
| Occupation: | novelist, short story writer |
| Nationality: | American |
| Notable works: | Back Street, Imitation of Life |
| Spouse: | Jacques S. Danielson |
| IMDb: | Fannie Hurst's IMDb |
About Fannie Hurst
A prolific American author, she is known for Stardust (1921), A President is Born (1927), Back Street (1931), and Imitation of Life (1933). The latter work dealt with race relations and was adapted into a film in 1934.
Before Fame
She attended Washington University in St. Louis. She subsequently became a prominent member of several political organizations, including the Lucy Stone League, the World Health Organization, the Urban League, and the Works Progress Administration's National Advisory Committee.
Achievement
She had a torrid, lengthy affair with Arctic explorer, Vilhjalmur Stefansson.
Family Life
She was born in Hamilton, Ohio to an upper-class Jewish family. She married pianist Jacques Danielson in 1915.
Associations
Like songwriter Bob Russell, she also studied at Washington University in St. Louis.
Information related to Fannie Hurst
- Writers from St. Louis
- Jewish American novelists
- Washington University in St. Louis alumni
