Alice Duer Miller

Born in New York City in 1874, Alice Duer Miller grew up in a prominent family, studied mathematics and astronomy at Barnard College, and began writing professionally after financial setbacks changed her circumstances. She built a wide-ranging career as a poet, novelist, and essayist, with work appearing in major magazines and newspapers.

She became particularly well known for her suffrage writing, especially the satirical verse later collected in Are Women People? Her writing mixed polish with bite, using humor to expose the logic and prejudice behind arguments against women’s rights.

Miller also wrote popular fiction and worked in theater and film, including screenwriting in Hollywood. She died in 1942, leaving behind a body of work remembered for its intelligence, grace, and lively feminist spirit.