Eula Biss
Essayist, MacArthur Fellow, 'On Immunity', cultural criticism
Eula Biss (born 1977) is an American writer, essayist, and educator known for her innovative and intellectually rigorous explorations of contemporary issues. Born and raised in the American Midwest, Biss earned her BA from Hampshire College and her MFA from the University of Montana. She has written several acclaimed essay collections, including 'The Invisible Woman: Essays on Racial Injustice, Criminal Injustice, and Other Matters of the Mind' (2011), 'On Immunity: An Inoculation' (2014), and 'Having and Being Had' (2020). Biss's work is characterized by meticulous research, personal reflection, and an ability to connect individual experiences to larger systemic and historical contexts. 'On Immunity' became particularly relevant during contemporary vaccination debates, offering nuanced analysis beyond typical polarized positions. Her essays examine subjects as diverse as debt, homelessness, money, motherhood, and bodily autonomy. Biss has taught creative writing at various universities and is a MacArthur Fellow. Her work is published in leading literary magazines and anthologies. Her writing style blends rigorous intellectual inquiry with accessible prose, making complex topics engaging for general readers.
Arts & Literature
American
1977
Thinking about the name
Eula
Greek origin
“Derived from the Greek Eulalia, meaning 'sweetly speaking' or 'eloquent,' Eula represents a shortened, Americanized form that emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The name has a warm, conversational quality that feels both vintage and approachable. It suggests kindness and a gentle manner of speaking.”