She Was a Publishing Pioneer

Florence Howe, 91, who died in September 2020, founded The Feminist Press, a pioneering literary publishing house, and was herself a critical force in the recognition of Women’s Studies as an academic discipline. On the Modern Language Commission on the Status of Women in the Profession (and then as MLA President), in the National Women’s Studies Association, at international conferences and at the Feminist Press, Florence Howe was a model for me and many others of how change is made: with big ideas and the often gritty work required to bring them to life; with relationships, found and created in the U.S. and throughout the world; within established institutions and beyond them; with creative insights and persistent passion. She also taught by example that enjoying theater, good food and time at the beach can renew one’s energy to continue the work. May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration.