The Power of Adrienne Rich: A Biography

By Hilary Holladay

A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
"A comprehensive biography of . . . one of the most acclaimed poets of her generation and a face of American feminism."--New York Times

A major American writer, thinker, and activist, Adrienne Rich (1929-2012) transformed herself from a traditional, Radcliffe-educated lyric poet and married mother of three sons into a path-breaking lesbian-feminist author of forceful, uncompromising prose as well as poetry. In doing so, she emerged as an architect and exemplar of the feminist movement, breaking ranks to denounce the male-dominated literary establishment and paving the way for women writers to take their places in the cultural mainstream. Drawing on a wealth of unpublished materials, including Rich's correspondence and in-depth interviews with many people who knew her, Hilary Holladay provides a vividly detailed, full-dimensional portrait of a woman whose work and life continue to challenge and inspire new generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691276366
• ISBN13: 9780691276366
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 504 Pages
• Weight: 1.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"