Elisabeth Sifton

Born Elisabeth Niebuhr, she was the daughter of Reinhold Niebuhr, the eminent Protestant theologian, and Ursula Niebuhr. Growing up in such a household, one might expect a certain intellectual rigor, perhaps even a bit of theological angst. She certainly inherited the former, but her professional life diverged from the pulpit, landing squarely in the hallowed halls of publishing.

Sifton carved out a formidable career as an editor at Knopf, Viking, and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, working with celebrated authors and leaving her indelible mark on the literary landscape. She was known for her discerning eye and sharp intellect, guiding books to critical acclaim and commercial success. Her influence was often felt more than seen, a testament to the editor's quiet power.

While her father was busy grappling with the human condition and original sin, Elisabeth was wrestling with prose and punctuation. No Jews in the woodpile here, just good old American Protestantism and a stellar career in letters.