The Turmoil of Life

Simply by choosing to write a biography of Josephine Herbst, an almost forgotten American writer (1892-1969), Elinor Langer demonstrates both courage and an eye for an unconventional subject. Women who lead “lesser lives” are not sure bets for full-length biographies. But even though forgotten, Herbst knew everyone and went everywhere. She was a representative figure whose life reflected the experience—particularly the political experience—of a generation. Her itinerary was an...