Jessica Mitford, the 'Queen of Muckrakers', Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Biographer Carla Kaplan's 'Troublemaker' reveals the fierce and unruly life of the renowned investigative journalist

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:50am

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Jonah Raskin, who knew Jessica Mitford in the 1990s, reflects on her life and legacy as the 'Queen of the Muckrakers'. Raskin had initially wanted to write Mitford's biography but was dissuaded by Mitford herself, who did not want him to expose the contradictions in her life as the daughter of wealthy British aristocrats who supported the cause of the poor and oppressed. Carla Kaplan's new biography 'Troublemaker' has now done justice to Mitford's fierce and uncompromising journalism, as well as her complex personal life.

Why it matters

Jessica Mitford's investigative reporting exposed the exploitative practices of industries like the funeral business, and she was a lifelong anti-fascist and supporter of the working class. Her legacy as a muckraking journalist who challenged the powerful continues to inspire new generations of reporters and activists.

The details

Raskin first met Mitford in 1984 when he invited her to speak at Sonoma State University about George Orwell's '1984' and her own experiences with McCarthyism and loyalty oaths. Mitford was required to provide her fingerprints and swear allegiance to the Constitution when she taught at San Jose State University, an experience that reminded her of the totalitarian tendencies in the 'Free World'. Raskin was also subjected to similar requirements when he was hired at Sonoma State. Mitford went on to battle the SJSU president over these demands, though she ultimately relented on the fingerprinting. Raskin later tried to convince Mitford to let him write her biography, but she refused, not wanting him to expose the contradictions in her life as an aristocrat who championed the poor. Carla Kaplan's new biography 'Troublemaker' has now provided a comprehensive look at Mitford's fierce and uncompromising journalism, as well as her complex personal life.

  • In 1984, Mitford spoke at Sonoma State University about George Orwell's '1984' and her experiences with McCarthyism.
  • In the 1990s, shortly before Raskin's biography of Abbie Hoffman was published, he decided he wanted to write a biography of Mitford.

The players

Jessica Mitford

Also known as 'Decca', she was a renowned investigative journalist dubbed the 'Queen of the Muckrakers' for her exposés of industries like the funeral business.

Jonah Raskin

A professor who knew Mitford in the 1990s and had initially wanted to write her biography, but was dissuaded by Mitford herself.

Carla Kaplan

The author of the new comprehensive biography 'Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford'.

Bob Treuhaft

Mitford's husband, a lefty lawyer.

Marge Franz

A union and working class organizer with a belief in feminism, a cause that had little appeal for Mitford according to Kaplan's biography.

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What they’re saying

“Decca was a loyal person, and not very sexual.”

— Carla Kaplan, Biographer

“Kathy has managed in one deft moment to rehabilitate the discredited FBI, possibly ensure passage of the 'terrorist' bill which would re-establish HUAC in a new and more palatable form, plus senseless murdering of the three people.”

— Jessica Mitford

What’s next

Raskin hopes that Mitford's legacy as a fearless investigative journalist will inspire a new generation of muckrakers to continue exposing injustice and holding the powerful accountable.

The takeaway

Jessica Mitford's life and work as the 'Queen of the Muckrakers' exemplified a fierce commitment to uncovering the truth and challenging the status quo, even when it meant confronting her own class privilege. Her legacy continues to resonate with journalists and activists seeking to amplify the voices of the marginalized and hold the powerful to account.