The two friends of this book are Georgia O’Keeffe and Anita Pollitzer. One of these names was quite familiar to me for her artistic works. The other was new to me. Among the many things that I learned was that Pollitzer was very active in the suffrage movement. She also introduced O’Keeffe to Steiglitz.
These two knew each other in a relationship that had both its ups and downs as this well written book reveals. Initially, Georgia did not take to Anita but they then became close, before later having a friendship with some cracks.
This book is noteworthy for showcasing the accomplishments of two women who were living at a time in which women struggled to achieve and be respected. It offers a reminder of how far we have (hopefully) come.
Bennett’s book is written in a very readable style. I especially enjoyed the excerpts from the letters that are included here.
It was illuminating to learn more about a woman whom I had only known for her art and connection to Steiglitz when there was so much more to her story. Since I knew nothing of Anita, reading about her life and experiences was intriguing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the University of Nebraska Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 01 May 2025
214 pages
Biographies & Memoirs-History
Editorial Reviews
Review
“About eminent painter Georgia O’Keeffe and Anita Pollitzer, a trailblazer of the American suffragist movement, Liza Bennett’s rich biography Georgia and Anita covers a dynamic, tragic friendship.”—Isaac Randel, Foreword Reviews
“Liza Bennett’s luminous and absorbing exploration of the friendship between a painter of genius and a women’s rights activist during the morning years of the twentieth century rings absolutely true to its era while beautifully evoking the power and urgency of a new kind of American art being born.”—Richard Snow, author of Disney’s Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World
“A masterpiece, an exquisitely told story of love, art, feminism, family, and the making of the modern age, propelled by the deep and turbulent current of a decades-long friendship between two extraordinary women.”—Frederick E. Allen, former editor at American Heritage and New York magazines
“An important contribution to the literature on women’s friendship. While much has been written about Georgia O’Keeffe, woman artist, little is known of her lifelong bond with a central figure in the fight for the ballot, Anita Pollitzer. This is their riveting story.”—Ellen Feldman, author of Lucy and Terrible Virtue
“Beautifully written, by turns funny, inspiring, and poignant, this is the true story of two American women—one famous, one little known today—who changed the world. A narrative of friendship, devotion, and, ultimately, betrayal.”—Kevin Baker, author of Dreamland–This text refers to the paperback edition.
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