Marilyn Yalom

Full Name and Common Aliases

Marilyn Yalom was born Marilyn Trimble on September 5, 1937, in San Francisco, California.

Birth and Death Dates

September 5, 1937 - March 17, 2013

Nationality and Profession(s)

Yalom was an American writer, historian, and academic who spent most of her career as a professor at Stanford University. She wrote extensively on the history of women's experiences, particularly in relation to marriage, family, and social norms.

Early Life and Background

Marilyn Trimble grew up in San Francisco during World War II. Her father was an engineer, and her mother was a homemaker who later worked as a librarian. Yalom developed a passion for history at an early age, which led her to pursue higher education at the University of California, Berkeley.

Major Accomplishments

Yalom received her Ph.D. in English from Yale University in 1966. Her most notable work, A History of Marriage, published in 2001, became a bestseller and was widely praised for its insightful analysis of marriage as an institution throughout history. Other significant works include History and Memory after Auschwitz (2000) and How the World Became a Stage (2012), which explored the concept of theater in Western culture.

Notable Works or Actions

In addition to her books, Yalom published numerous articles on topics such as women's experiences during war, feminist theory, and the history of marriage. Her writing often highlighted the complexities of human relationships and the impact of social norms on individual lives. As a professor at Stanford University, she taught courses that encouraged students to think critically about historical events and cultural practices.

Impact and Legacy

Yalom's work has had a lasting impact on feminist scholarship and our understanding of women's experiences throughout history. Her writing challenged traditional views of marriage as an institution and instead revealed the complex power dynamics at play in relationships. Her influence extends beyond academia, with many readers finding her books accessible and thought-provoking.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Marilyn Yalom is widely quoted for her insightful analysis of human relationships and social norms. Her ability to make history accessible and engaging has made her a beloved writer among both scholars and general readers. As a pioneer in feminist scholarship, she paved the way for future generations of researchers and writers to explore topics related to women's experiences and cultural practices.

Yalom's passing on March 17, 2013, was met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and students who appreciated her dedication to teaching and writing. Her legacy continues to inspire new scholarship and research in the fields of history, feminist theory, and cultural studies.