Origins & Early Life

Erica Jong (née Mann; born March 26, 1942) is an American novelist, satirist, and poet known particularly for her 1973 novel Fear of Flying. The book became famously controversial for its attitudes towards female sexuality and figured prominently in the development of second-wave feminism, selling over 37 million copies worldwide. Erica Mann was born in Manhattan, New York, on March 26, 1942. She is one of three daughters of Seymour Mann (died 2004), and Eda Mirsky (1911–2012).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her father was a businessman of Polish-Jewish ancestry who owned a gifts and home accessories company known for its mass production of porcelain dolls. Her mother was born in England of a Russian-Jewish immigrant family, and was a painter and textile designer who also designed dolls for her husband's company. She has an elder sister, Suzanna, who married Lebanese businessman Arthur Daou, and a younger sister, Claudia, a social worker who married Gideon S. Oberweger (the chief executive officer of Seymour Mann Inc. until his death in 2006).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Among her nephews is Peter Daou, a political strategist and former musician who in 1994 produced an album titled Zipless, a concept album based...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ama Ata Aidoo — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Pioneering Ghanaian writer, poet, and academician celebrated for feminist themes.
• Amitabh Bachchan — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Iconic figure of Hindi cinema, celebrated for versatility and enduring stardom.
• Anita Roddick — Contemporary (Born in 1942) (1942): Pioneering activist and founder of The Body Shop, championing ethical consumerism.
• Alan Arkin — Shared historical date (03-26 · Born) (1934): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Alan Silvestri — Shared historical date (03-26 · Born) (1950): Award-winning composer renowned for epic film scores, especially for blockbuster franchises.
• Aretha Franklin — Historical peer (Born in 1942) (1942): The "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin defined American music with unparalleled vocal power.
• Barbra Streisand — Historical peer (Born in 1942) (1942): Iconic American vocalist and actress known for her powerful voice and enduring career.
• Akon — Historical peer (Born in 1973) (1973): Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and influential figure in world music.
• Alfie Boe — Historical peer (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed English musical theatre star, celebrated for roles like Jean Valjean.
• Daniela Avanzini — Historical peer (Born in 2004) (2004): American singer and dancer known for her work in the girl group Katseye.
• 1942 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1942
• March 26 (03-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 26