Encyclopedia Of Detroit

Author and poet Marge Piercy was born during the Great Depression in Detroit, Michigan in 1936 to a working-class family. She attended the University of Michigan on a scholarship and earned her M.A. from Northwestern University. Piercy was an engaged activist through the 1960s, and became a proponent of feminism, Marxism, and environmentalism – all of which are represented in her writing. She also draws inspiration from her Jewish heritage and traditions.

She is the author of many genre-spanning novels, from historical fiction, memoir, and science fiction. Class and culture issues are represented throughout her bibliography. Her book, Gone to Soldiers, was a New York Times Bestseller. Other national bestsellers included Braided Lives, The Longings of Women, and Woman on the Edge of Time – the latter of which, published in 1976, is referenced as an early work of the cyber-punk subgenre.

In addition to novels, Piercy has released as many collections of poetry. Usually writing in swift verse, Piercy she explores similar themes presented in the rest of her body of work. The Moon is Always Female, published in 1980, is widely regarded as an essential feminist text.

Piercy has spoken at over 400 universities, and holds several honorary degrees, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Hebrew Union College of Ohio. She has also served as poetry editor of the Jewish Tikkun Magazine. She lives Massachusetts with her third husband, writer Ira Wood.