Eula Biss

Eula Biss, an incisive voice in contemporary nonfiction, honed her craft with a BA in nonfiction writing from Hampshire College and an MFA from the prestigious University of Iowa. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a career that deftly explores the intersections of personal narrative and cultural critique. At Northwestern University, where she currently serves as an Artist in Residence, Biss not only imparts her knowledge of nonfiction writing to students but also continues to shape the literary landscape as a founding editor of Essay Press, a platform dedicated to innovative nonfiction. Among Biss's oeuvre, "On Immunity: An Inoculation" stands as a pivotal work, garnering critical acclaim for its eloquent exploration of the social and historical dimensions of vaccination. Her essays, celebrated for their lucid prose and penetrating insight, have graced the pages of esteemed publications such as The Believer, Harper’s, and the Seneca Review, as well as anthologies like The Best Creative Nonfiction and the Touchstone Anthology of Contemporary Nonfiction. Through her literature, Biss challenges readers to reconsider the narratives we construct around public health and personal responsibility. Biss’s writing is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and an unflinching commitment to uncovering the truths that lie beneath cultural assumptions. Her work often delves into themes of societal obligation and personal agency, articulated through a style that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible. As a leading figure in the realm of nonfiction, Eula Biss continues to contribute to the discourse on public consciousness, establishing herself as a pivotal thinker who bridges the gap between personal experience and broader societal issues.