Trilling, Diana

Writer Diana Trilling spent much of her life carving a niche out for herself that would separate her from her husband, critic and author, Lionel Trilling. Although she was fiercely devoted to their marriage, she maintained her own identity and had a successful career as a literary critic, an author, and a cultural commentator. She was not afraid to shy away from controversy especially if, in her view, her political opinions were being distorted or misunderstood by others. (The name Trilling, when used alone, refers to Diana Trilling. Lionel Trilling will always be referred to by his full name.).

Diana Rubin was born in New York City on July 21, 1905. Her parents, Joseph Rubin and Sadie Helene Rubin (neé Forbert), were immigrants from Poland. Joseph Rubin was a successful businessman while his wife did occasional work in interior design. Diana Rubin lived first in Westchester and then Brooklyn where she attended Erasmus Hall High School. She entered Radcliffe College in 1921 as an Art History major with a minor in Music. Rubin had wanted to be a singer, but had suffered from an affliction of the thyroid, effectively ending any chances she may have head to pursue a professional career.

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