Novelist, Essayist & Literary Critic; Author of "Enchantment" & "This Close to Happy"; Contributor to The New Yorker & The New York Times
Daphne Merkin Biography
Daphne Merkin is an American novelist, essayist, memoirist, and literary critic known for her candid explorations of personal and cultural themes. Merkin addresses issues such as family, religion, money, and sex, and is recognized for her ability to navigate both high and low cultural topics. She graduated from Barnard College magna cum laude and attended Columbia University's graduate program in English literature. Merkin published her first piece of criticism in Commentary at age 21 and contributed extensively to The New Republic and The New Leader, writing columns on books and film.
Before focusing on writing, Merkin worked as a senior editor at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, acquiring and editing works of fiction and nonfiction, including a memoir by former Secretary of State Donald Regan. She became a staff writer at The New Yorker, publishing book reviews and essays on personal and cultural issues, including features on Marilyn Monroe, Courtney Love, and the legacy of Sigmund Freud. Merkin also alternated writing the movie column with Anthony Lane. Her essay "Trouble in the Tribe" was selected for "The Best American Essays" and "The Best Spiritual Essays." As a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, she published cover stories and personal essays on topics such as long-term therapy, hospitalization for depression, and profiles of Nancy Meyers, Alice Munro, Diane Keaton, and Adam Phillips.
Merkin's published books include the novels "Enchantment," which received the Edward Lewis Wallant Award, and "22 Minutes of Unconditional Love"; the memoir "This Close to Happy: A Reckoning with Depression"; and the essay collections "Dreaming of Hitler: Passions & Provocations" and "The Fame Lunches: On Wounded Icons, Money, Sex, The Brontës, and the Importance of Handbags." "The Fame Lunches" was named a New York Times Notable Book, and "This Close to Happy" received a front-page review in the New York Times Book Review. "Enchantment" was reissued by Picador with an introduction by Vivien Gornick.
Merkin writes cultural criticism and book reviews for publications including The New York Times Book Review, The Atlantic, Airmail, and The New York Review of Books. She has taught writing at the 92nd Street Y, Marymount Manhattan College, Hunter College, and Columbia University's MFA program. Merkin's work in literary criticism, memoir, and cultural commentary continues to contribute to contemporary American literature and journalism.
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What are the speaker fees for Daphne Merkin
Speaking fees for Daphne Merkin, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Daphne Merkin are under $10,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Daphne Merkin, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Daphne Merkin speak about?
Daphne Merkin is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Educational Motivational, Family & Parenting, Fiction Authors, Mental Health, Non-Fiction Authors, Storytelling -
Where does Daphne Merkin travel from?
Daphne Merkin generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Daphne Merkin is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Daphne Merkin for your event is available upon request. Daphne Merkin generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jennifer McGaha, Karen A. Chase, Meredith Talusan, Clyde W. Ford and Adrienne Brodeur. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Daphne Merkin for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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