Janet Malcolm

Writer, journalist and collagist

Janet Malcolm is an American writer and journalist whose works are renowned for their exploration of the complexities of social and psychological situations. Her writing has often been described as complex, subtly probing and often exhibiting a sense of humour and irony. She is best known for her books about psychology and erudite essays on many topics. Malcolm was born in Prague, and moved to the United States shortly after World War II. She completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan and then her PhD in English literature at Yale University. The breadth and versatility of her writing have earned Malcolm an avid following throughout the world. She has written numerous essays and articles on topics such as psychoanalysis, film, and literature, and her numerous book releases focusing on crime and the legal system have cemented her reputation as one of the foremost writers on these topics. Malcolm is also known for her innovative approach to collage making. She has created visual artifacts and compositions that explore the intersections between the workings of the mind and the outside world. She has exhibited this work internationally, including at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Mexico City's Museum of Modern Art and the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. Her writing has been hailed for its analytical insight and flexible, lyrical style. She has won numerous awards for writing, including two MacArthur Foundation grants and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her work has been translated into multiple languages, and is widely read and admired by writers, readers, and those in the arts world. Janet Malcolm is an exemplary artist whose intricate and multi-layered writing continues to offer challenging and provocative thoughts.