Mary MacLane

Date of Birth: May 1, 1881

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 6, 1929

Biography

Mary MacLane was an American writer known for her controversial and innovative autobiographical works. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, MacLane moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Butte, Montana. She gained national fame in 1902 with the publication of her first book, “The Story of Mary MacLane,” which was a sensational and candid exploration of her inner life and feelings. Her writing was characterized by its bold, confessional style and its exploration of themes such as love, existential despair, and individualism. MacLane’s work was ahead of its time, often challenging societal norms and expectations, especially regarding women’s roles and sexuality. Despite facing criticism and societal backlash, she continued to write and publish, leaving a lasting impact on American literature. MacLane’s later works include “I, Mary MacLane: A Diary of Human Days” and various essays and articles. She passed away in Chicago, Illinois, in 1929.

5 Interesting Facts about Mary MacLane

1. Mary MacLane’s first book sold over 100,000 copies in its first month of publication.

2. She was an early forerunner of the confessional writing style, which later became popular in the 20th century.

3. MacLane openly discussed her attraction to women, making her one of the early public figures to do so.

4. She was known for her eccentric personality and often referred to herself in the third person.

5. Mary MacLane wrote, produced, and starred in a silent film called “Men Who Have Made Love to Me” in 1918, which is considered lost today.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mary MacLane

1. “I want fame more than I can tell. But more than I want fame I want happiness.”

2. “I shall live as I please, without regard to the established order.”

3. “I am not good. I am not virtuous. I am not generous. I am merely a creature of intense selfishness.”

4. “I, of woman born, have loved no man.”

5. “To be happy is to be able to become aware of oneself without fright.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mary MacLane never achieved significant financial success from her writing, and her highest net worth is not well-documented. However, her first book’s sales suggest she experienced some financial success early in her career.