Margalit Fox: The Artist of the Modern Obituary
In the world of journalism, few writers possess the ability to balance the gravity of death with the vibrancy of life as skillfully as Margalit Fox. Known for her wit, precision, and narrative flair, Fox spent decades at The New York Times, where she transformed the traditional obituary from a formal record into a compelling piece of literary art.
Professional Journey and Career Evolution
Fox's path to becoming a premier journalist began in the 1980s, where she gained foundational experience in book and magazine publishing before pursuing formal journalism education. She joined The New York Times in 1994, initially serving as a copy editor for the Book Review. During this period, she established herself as a versatile writer, contributing pieces on language, culture, and ideas to various publications, including New York Newsday and Variety. Her early excellence was recognized when her work was included in the 2005 anthology Best Newspaper Writing.
In 2004, Fox transitioned to the obituary department of The New York Times. Over the next 14 years, she authored more than 1,400 obituaries, eventually retiring as a senior writer in 2018. Even after her retirement, her influence persists; she left behind approximately 80 advance obituaries that continue to be published, ensuring her byline remains present in the paper.
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Redefining the Obituary
Fox is widely credited with pushing the obituary beyond the formal, restrictive constraints of the Victorian era. By treating the life story as a natural narrative arc—moving from the cradle to the grave—she focused on the essence of a person's existence. Fox famously noted that 98 percent of an obituary is actually about life, rather than death, describing the obituary department as the "jolliest department in the paper."
Her style is characterized by an undercurrent of humor, ironic asides, and the inclusion of unexpected facts. This unique approach earned her high praise from peers and critics alike. The Paris Review highlighted her role in modernizing the genre, while Sports Illustrated and Atlantic Monthly described her as the "great NYT obit writer" and the "finest obituarist at The New York Times," respectively.
Academic and Linguistic Contributions
Beyond her work at the newspaper, Fox is a recognized expert in language. Since 2013, she has served as a member of the usage panel for the American Heritage Dictionary. Her writing is also featured in The Sense of Style (2014), a guide by linguist Steven Pinker, who praised her as a "wordsmith" and a "linguist."
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Key Facts
- Total Obituaries: Authored over 1,400 pieces for The New York Times.
- Career Span: Joined The New York Times in 1994; retired as senior writer in 2018.
- Major Award: Won the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing in 2014.
- Notable Book: Author of The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code (2013).
- Linguistic Role: Member of the American Heritage Dictionary usage panel since 2013.
Career Achievements and Recognition
| Year | Award / Recognition | Organization / Publication |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Front Page Award | Newswomen's Club of New York |
| 2013 | 100 Notable Books | The New York Times |
| 2014 | William Saroyan International Prize | Stanford University |
| 2015 | Front Page Award (Beat Reporting) | Newswomen's Club of New York |
Fox's impact on the field is further documented in the 2016 documentary film Obit, directed by Vanessa Gould, which provides a look into the inner workings of the New York Times obituary staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many obituaries did Margalit Fox write for The New York Times?
Margalit Fox wrote more than 1,400 obituaries during her tenure at the newspaper.
What is the title of Margalit Fox's award-winning book?
Her book is titled The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code, which won the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing in 2014.
How did Margalit Fox change the style of obituary writing?
She is credited with moving the obituary past Victorian-era formal constraints, introducing a narrative arc that emphasizes the subject's life and incorporating humor and wry observations.
Is Margalit Fox still contributing to The New York Times?
Although she retired in 2018, she left approximately 80 advance obituaries that continue to be published, meaning her bylines still appear in the paper.
What role does she play in the American Heritage Dictionary?
Since 2013, Fox has been a member of the dictionary's usage panel, contributing her expertise in language and linguistics.