Edith R. Mirrielees

Professor Edith Ronald Mirrielees (September 10, 1878 - June 3, 1962) was a pioneering teacher of creative writing; she inspired many talented, distinguished students, including novelist John Steinbeck at Stanford University.

Edith Ronald Mirrielees was born on September 10, 1878, in Pittsfield, Illinois, and grew up in Big Timber, Montana.

[1] At 25 years old, in 1903, Mirrielees entered Stanford University to study History (later changed to English).

[2] She is best known for her courses in Creative Writing and for the influence she had on such famous American writers as John Steinbeck,[3] Howard Pease, Archie Binns, Allen Drury,[1] and Irma Hannibal.

[7][2][1] In 1961, Mills College awarded her an honorary doctorate in Letters in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a professor.