If you saw the bookshelf of a typical feminist in the early 1970s you probably saw The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer – and undoubtedly Fear of Flying by Erica Jong.
That 1973 book with its edgy exploration of female sexuality propelled the poet Jong to International fame overnight and launched what would be a decade-long literary career.
Erica Jong became an icon of the 1970s and ‘80s as she established herself as a literary and media personality.
More below video:
She was also a popular and successful writing teacher, and it was that aspect of her life that eventually led to her writing a memoir in 2006.
Her book was called Seducing the Demon and the conversation that she and I had about it was one of several we shared over the years.
So come along with us now as we learn something about Erica Jong and her life, and also something about writing. Here now, from 2006, Erica John.
Erica Jong recently celebrated her 83rd birthday. Fear of Flying has sold over 37 million copies worldwide.
