Origins & Early Life

Susan Brownmiller (born Susan Warhaftig; February 15, 1935 – May 24, 2025) was an American journalist, author and feminist activist, best known for her 1975 book Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape, which was selected by The New York Public Library as one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century. Susan Brownmiller was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on February 15, 1935, to Mae and Samuel Warhaftig, a lower-middle-class Jewish couple. She was raised in Brooklyn and was the only child of her parents. Her father emigrated from a Polish shtetl and became a salesman in the Garment Center and later a vendor in Macy's department store, and her mother was a secretary in the Empire State Building.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She later took the pen name Brownmiller, legally changing her name in 1961. As a child Brownmiller was sent to the East Midwood Jewish Center for two afternoons a week to learn Hebrew and Jewish history. She would later comment, "It all got sort of mishmashed in my brain except for one thread: a helluva lot of people over the centuries seemed to want to harm Jewish people. ... I can argue that my chosen path – to fight against physical harm, specifically...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexander Borodin — Shared historical date (02-15 · Died) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Alfred North Whitehead — Shared historical date (02-15 · Born) (1861): Pioneering philosopher and mathematician who established Process Philosophy.
• Bob Dylan — Shared historical date (05-24 · Born) (1941): Pioneering American singer-songwriter, master of lyrical poetry and folk revival.
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• 1935 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1935
• February 15 (02-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 15
• 2025 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2025
• May 24 (05-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 24