Janet Harris
Janet Harris was an influential American writer and educator, born in New Jersey in 1932. She earned her degree in education from Ohio University in 1951 and later dedicated herself to writing full-time by 1960 while also teaching English at various institutions in New York. Harris was notably active in social issues, particularly as a leader in the South Nassau chapter of Women's Strike for Peace during the Vietnam War era. Her literary contributions include significant works such as her 1967 book, *The Long Freedom Road: The Civil Rights Story*, which addresses the American Civil Rights movement, and *Black Pride: A People's Struggle*, published in 1969, aimed at young readers. Recognized for her socially conscious writing by the Women's Press Club of New York City, Harris also authored *The Woman Who Created Frankenstein: A Portrait of Mary Shelley* in 1979, which highlights Mary Shelley's contributions to literature and introduces young audiences to historical literary figures. Harris's work reflects her commitment to social justice and education, leaving a lasting impact before her passing in 1979.
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Janet Harris
Writer
- Born: April 17, 1932
- Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey
- Died: December 6, 1979
- Place of death: Freeport, New York
Biography
Janet Harris was born in New Jersey in 1932, the daughter of Nathan Urovsky, an attorney. Harris completed an undergraduate degree in education at Ohio University in 1951. She was at one time married to Martin Harris.
By 1960, Harris had become a full-time writer. She taught English at several New York colleges and universities, including C. W. Post College and Glen Cove Community College. Her interest in social issues and her opposition to the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War led her to head the South Nassau chapter of Women’s Strike for Peace in 1964 and 1965.
In 1967, Harris published her first book, The Long Freedom Road: The Civil Rights Story. Harris collected her observations about the American Civil Rights movement in a children’s book, Black Pride: A People’s Struggle, published in 1969. The Women’s Press Club of New York City recognized Harris for her socially conscious writing in 1969.
Harris’s other book for young readers, The Woman Who Created Frankenstein: A Portrait of Mary Shelley, published in 1979, explored the philosophy and historical context of Mary Shelley’s first novel. Harris admired Shelley as an independent woman worthy of merit, and introduced young readers to early nineteenth century literary figures and currents. Harris discussed not only the horror story that may appeal to her audience, but exposed them to a Shelley’s significant contributions to English literature.
Harris died in 1979.