Marian Wharton

Marian Wharton (1877–1954) was an American writer, editor, and educator associated with the socialist movement in the early 20th century. Sources on the history of the People's College in Fort Scott, Kansas, describe her as an important figure there: she helped lead the school, served on its advisory board, and edited its newsletter.

She is most closely linked with Plain English (1917), a textbook created for worker education. Project Gutenberg describes it as a practical guide to English aimed especially at readers without access to formal high school study, and the book itself presents that mission clearly as education for workers.

Some historical sources also describe her as a socialist and feminist who helped shape the English curriculum at the People's College. She is sometimes noted in biographical writing as the mother of author Meridel Le Sueur, but her own legacy stands on its own in the history of radical education and accessible writing instruction.