Jessica Mitford

Jessica Mitford was a British author, journalist, and political campaigner. Born into the aristocratic Mitford family in 1917, she is best known for her investigative journalism and her book 'The American Way of Death' (1963), which criticized the funeral industry in the United States. Mitford was also a member of the American Communist Party and an advocate for civil rights and prison reform. She passed away in 1996.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The American Way of Death

    Cover of 'The American Way of Death' by Jessica Mitford

    This book is a critical examination of the funeral industry in the United States. The author explores the various ways in which the industry exploits the grief and vulnerability of the bereaved to upsell expensive services and merchandise, often with little regard for the actual needs or desires of the deceased or their loved ones. She also delves into the cultural and societal norms around death and burial in America, questioning their origins and the extent to which they are perpetuated by the industry for profit.

  2. 2. Hons And Rebels

    Cover of 'Hons And Rebels' by Jessica Mitford

    "Hons and Rebels" is a captivating memoir that recounts the author's upbringing in an eccentric aristocratic family in England, her spirited siblings, and the divergent paths they took. The narrative delves into her rebellious youth during the 1930s, marked by her break from the conservative mores of her family and class. The author vividly describes her political awakening, her involvement with the Communist Party, and her eventual move to the United States. Through witty prose and poignant reflections, the memoir offers a unique glimpse into the complexities of family loyalty, social change, and personal conviction.