Megan Marshall

Megan Marshall is an American author of biographies and memoirs based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has written several award-winning and bestselling books, including The Peabody Sisters: Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism and Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast.

Marshall was born Megan Mayhew Bergman in 1963 in North Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of North Carolina in 1985 and a master’s degree in literature from Duke University in 1989. After college, she began teaching English literature at Duke and held the position until 1992. She moved to Massachusetts in 1994 and has since lived in Cambridge.

Marshall’s first book, The Peabody Sisters: Three Women Who Ignited American Romanticism, was published in 2005 and won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Francis Parkman Prize. In it, Marshall explores the lives of three sisters from 19th century Salem, Massachusetts who led successful literary and intellectual lives. The book has been highly praised for its compelling narrative, vivid characters, and mastery of detail. It is considered a cornerstone of modern Massachusetts history.

Marshall’s second book, Elizabeth Bishop: A Miracle for Breakfast, was released in 2017 and became an instant bestseller. In this biography, Marshall reveals the life of the acclaimed poet Elizabeth Bishop and her fascinating relationship with her mentor and friend Marianne Moore. Bishop’s life is depicted as a chronicle of alienation and exploration, a microcosm of different cultures and societies, and a search for identity. Marshall’s work shows a deep understanding of Bishop’s poetry and includes several biographical excerpts that provide insight into her life.

Marshall’s other books include Margaret Fuller: A New American Life, The Spy in the Lobby: A Mystery, and The Peabody Sisters in America. Through her work, Marshall has brought to life some of the most important women of American literature and culture.

In addition to her writing, Marshall has taught literature and creative writing at Tufts University and Harvard University. She is also a frequent contributor to The New York Times and has written numerous articles on 19th century American literature and culture. She has been awarded several honors, including being named a Guggenheim fellow in 2019 and a United States Artists fellow in 2008.

Megan Marshall is considered one of the foremost biographers and memoirists of her time. Her articulate prose and commanding style open the reader to new perspectives and hone the reader’s understanding of her subjects. Her novels and biographies offer captivating stories and elegant narratives, making her work essential to any literary reader.