Picture an American wordsmith who turned the art of obituary writing into vibrant storytelling—meet Margalit Fox! With a linguist’s precision and a novelist’s flair, Fox crafted over 1,400 obituaries for The New York Times, breathing life into the legacies of cultural giants and unsung heroes alike. Her non-fiction books, blending history, linguistics, and true crime, have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a spot as one of journalism’s finest stylists.
The Making of Margalit Fox
Born on April 25, 1961, in Glen Cove, New York, Margalit Fox grew up as one of three daughters in a family steeped in intellect—her father, David, was a physicist. Initially trained as a cellist, she pivoted to academia, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in linguistics from Stony Brook University, followed by a master’s in journalism from Columbia University. Her early career in the 1980s saw her navigating the publishing world, but by 1994, she landed at The New York Times as a copy editor for the Book Review, setting the stage for her remarkable journey into storytelling.
Margalit Fox’s Unforgettable Stories
In 2004, Fox joined The New York Times’ obituary department, where she redefined the genre. Her obituaries, far from dry recitations, wove vivid narratives about figures like feminist pioneer Betty Friedan, poet Adrienne Rich, and the inventor of the pink plastic lawn flamingo. With a knack for humor and irony, she transformed the ‘dead beat’ into a celebration of life, earning praise from The Paris Review for pushing obituaries beyond Victorian constraints.
Fox’s non-fiction books are equally compelling. Talking Hands: What Sign Language Reveals About the Mind (2007) explores a unique Bedouin sign language, showcasing her linguistic roots. The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code (2013), a gripping tale of deciphering Linear B, won the William Saroyan International Prize and was named a New York Times Notable Book. Conan Doyle for the Defense (2018) recounts Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s real-life detective work to free a wrongfully convicted man, blending true crime with historical intrigue. Her 2021 book, The Confidence Men, narrates a daring World War I prisoner escape via Ouija board, earning an Edgar Award nomination.
Why Margalit Fox Matters
Margalit Fox’s work transcends journalism, offering a lens into the human experience. Her obituaries preserved the legacies of both the famous and the forgotten, while her books illuminate overlooked corners of history and language. Praised by Steven Pinker in The Sense of Style for her wit and clarity, Fox has inspired writers to approach narrative non-fiction with creativity and rigor. Her ability to unearth extraordinary stories continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.
- Born: April 25, 1961, Glen Cove, New York
- Key Works: Talking Hands, The Riddle of the Labyrinth, Conan Doyle for the Defense, The Confidence Men
- Awards: William Saroyan International Prize (2014), Edgar Award finalist (2022)
Ready to dive into Margalit Fox’s world of words? Grab The Riddle of the Labyrinth and uncover the thrill of cracking ancient codes!