# Joanna Russ

> American author (1937-2011)

**Wikidata**: [Q265270](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q265270)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_Russ)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joanna-russ

## Summary
Joanna Russ (1937–2011) was an American author, feminist critic, and academic who reshaped science fiction through her groundbreaking novels and essays. She is best known for *The Female Man* (1975), a landmark work of feminist science fiction that challenged gender norms and redefined speculative literature.

## Biography
- Born: February 22, 1937, United States  
- Nationality: American  
- Education: Yale University (MFA in Playwriting)  
- Known for: Pioneering feminist science fiction and critical feminist literary theory  
- Employer(s): Yale School of Drama, University of Washington, Cornell University, Binghamton University  
- Field(s): Science fiction writing, feminist theory, gender studies, literary criticism  

## Contributions
Joanna Russ made significant contributions to literature, particularly in feminist science fiction and gender studies. Her most notable works include:

- *The Female Man* (1975) — A novel exploring feminist themes through a speculative narrative involving multiple female protagonists from alternate realities. It is considered a foundational text in feminist science fiction.
- *And Chaos Died* (1970) — Her debut novel, blending surrealism and social commentary.
- *The Adventures of Alyx* (1977) — A collection of stories featuring a time-traveling protagonist, showcasing Russ’s innovative narrative techniques.
- *How to Suppress Women's Writing* (1983) — A critical essay exploring how women’s literary contributions are marginalized, now a seminal work in feminist literary criticism.
- Short stories such as “When It Changed” (1972), which won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story and was later adapted into the Hugo-nominated novella *The Female Man*.
- Essays published in *Speculative Fiction Studies* and *Foundation*, contributing to the academic discourse on science fiction and gender.

Russ also taught at several universities, including the Yale School of Drama, University of Washington, Cornell University, and Binghamton University, influencing generations of students in literature and gender studies.

## FAQs
**What is Joanna Russ most known for?**  
Joanna Russ is most known for *The Female Man* (1975), a feminist science fiction novel that critically examines gender roles and power structures. She also authored influential essays on women in literature, such as *How to Suppress Women's Writing*.

**Where did Joanna Russ teach?**  
She taught at the Yale School of Drama, University of Washington, Cornell University, and Binghamton University. Her academic work contributed significantly to both literature and gender studies curricula.

**What awards did Joanna Russ win?**  
Russ won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story for “When It Changed” (1972) and was nominated for the Hugo and Locus Awards for her novella *The Female Man*. She also received the Pilgrim Award for lifetime achievement in science fiction scholarship.

**What genres did Joanna Russ write in?**  
She primarily wrote science fiction, feminist speculative fiction, and literary criticism. Her works often intersected with feminist theory and gender studies.

**What impact did Joanna Russ have on feminist literature?**  
Russ challenged traditional narratives in science fiction by introducing feminist perspectives. Her work laid the groundwork for feminist science fiction and influenced both writers and scholars in gender and literary studies.

## Why They Matter
Joanna Russ fundamentally transformed science fiction by introducing feminist critique into the genre. Her novel *The Female Man* became a cornerstone of feminist speculative fiction, inspiring countless authors and reshaping how gender is portrayed in literature. Her critical essays, particularly *How to Suppress Women's Writing*, remain essential reading in feminist literary theory. By combining fiction with activism, Russ opened new pathways for marginalized voices in literature and academia. Her influence is evident in the works of later feminist science fiction writers like Ursula K. Le Guin and Octavia Butler.

## Notable For
- Author of *The Female Man* (1975), a landmark feminist science fiction novel  
- Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Short Story (“When It Changed,” 1972)  
- Recipient of the Pilgrim Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science Fiction Scholarship  
- Inductee of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame  
- Hugo and Locus Award nominee for *The Female Man* (1975)  
- Author of *How to Suppress Women's Writing* (1983), a seminal feminist text  
- Professor at Yale School of Drama, University of Washington, Cornell University, and Binghamton University  
- Pioneer in feminist science fiction and gender studies  
- Influential voice in challenging patriarchal narratives in literature  

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Joanna Russ was born on February 22, 1937, in the United States. She pursued an MFA in Playwriting from Yale University, which laid the foundation for her literary career. Her early exposure to theater and writing shaped her narrative style, which later became evident in her experimental fiction.

### Career
Russ began her career as a writer and educator, teaching at several institutions including:
- Yale School of Drama  
- University of Washington  
- Cornell University  
- Binghamton University  

Her tenure in academia allowed her to influence the next generation of writers and scholars, particularly in the fields of literature and gender studies.

### Literary Works
Russ’s literary output includes both fiction and critical essays:
- *And Chaos Died* (1970) — Her first novel, blending surrealism with social critique.  
- *The Female Man* (1975) — A groundbreaking feminist science fiction novel that explores gender and identity through a multiverse narrative.  
- *The Adventures of Alyx* (1977) — A collection of stories featuring a time-traveling protagonist, showcasing her innovative storytelling.  
- *How to Suppress Women's Writing* (1983) — A critical essay examining the systemic erasure of women’s literary contributions.  

Her short story “When It Changed” won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story in 1972 and was later expanded into the novella *The Female Man*, which was nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards.

### Academic and Critical Influence
Russ’s academic work extended beyond fiction. Her essays on feminist theory and science fiction were widely published and discussed in academic circles. She contributed to journals such as *Speculative Fiction Studies* and *Foundation*, shaping the discourse on gender in literature.

### Awards and Recognition
Russ received numerous accolades for her work:
- Nebula Award for Best Short Story (1972)  
- Pilgrim Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science Fiction Scholarship  
- Inductee of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame  
- Hugo and Locus Award nominations for *The Female Man*  

### Legacy
Joanna Russ’s legacy lies in her redefinition of science fiction through a feminist lens. Her works continue to influence contemporary writers and scholars, particularly in feminist and gender studies. Her critical essays remain foundational texts in feminist literary theory, and her fiction continues to inspire new generations of speculative writers.

## References

1. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
2. [Source](http://depts.washington.edu/engl/newsletter/2012-2/russ.php)
3. [Source](https://www.glaad.org/2011/05/09/lesbian-science-fiction-author-joanna-russ-dies-at-74)
4. [Source](http://www.glaad.org/2011/05/09/lesbian-science-fiction-author-joanna-russ-dies-at-74)
5. BnF authorities
6. [Source](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/joanna-russ-writer-and-critic-who-helped-transform-the-science-fiction-genre-2326345.html)
7. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/books/review/a-wrinkle-in-time-and-its-sci-fi-heroine.html)
8. [Find a Grave](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69150827/joanna-russ)
9. [‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and Its Sci-Fi Heroine (Published 2012). 2012](http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/books/review/a-wrinkle-in-time-and-its-sci-fi-heroine.html?pagewanted=all)
10. American Women Writers
11. [Joanna Russ, Who Drew Women to Sci-Fi, Dies at 74 (Published 2011). 2011](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/arts/joanna-russ-74-dies-wrote-science-fiction.html)
12. [1972 | Years](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1972/)
13. [1983 Hugo Awards. 2007](https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1983-hugo-awards/)
14. [1995 Retrospective Award « Otherwise Award. 2010](https://otherwiseaward.org/award/1995-retrospective-award)
15. [sfadb: Locus Awards 1983](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1983)
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. CiNii Research
18. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/arts/joanna-russ-74-dies-wrote-science-fiction.html)
19. SNAC
20. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
21. Find a Grave
22. NooSFere
23. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
24. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
25. [Source](http://www.locusmag.com/News/2011/04/joanna-russ-1937-2011/)
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. Integrated Authority File
28. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nominees/joanna-russ/)
29. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1971)
30. [Source](http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1973-hugo-awards/)
31. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1976)
32. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1980)
33. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1985)
34. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1997)
35. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1983)
36. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1972/)
37. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1973)
38. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1977)
39. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1984)
40. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1989)
41. CONOR.SI
42. Goodreads
43. Quora