Emily Hahn, American journalist and author (d. 1997)

Emily "Mickey" Hahn (Chinese: 項美麗, January 14, 1905 – February 18, 1997) was a trailblazing American journalist and exceptionally prolific author whose adventurous life and groundbreaking insights reshaped Western perspectives on diverse cultures. Esteemed by The New Yorker magazine as "a forgotten American literary treasure," Hahn was undeniably an early feminist whose extensive body of work played a significant role in opening up Asia and Africa to Western understanding throughout the 20th century. Her impressive literary output included 54 books and more than 200 articles and short stories, reflecting a career characterized by an insatiable curiosity, fearless exploration, and a unique ability to bridge cultural divides.

Hahn’s life was marked by a spirit of audacious independence and a consistent defiance of societal norms from a remarkably early age. She shattered conventional gender barriers by becoming the first woman to earn a degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1926. This extraordinary academic achievement was a precursor to a life defined by global adventure and unconventional choices. After residing in Florence and London in the mid-1920s, she embarked on an even more remarkable journey in the 1930s: hiking thousands of miles across Central Africa, including the dense Belgian Congo, often traveling unaccompanied or with minimal assistance. This daring expedition provided her with a unique, unfiltered perspective on the continent, which she vividly captured in her writing.

A pivotal period in Hahn's life and career began in 1935 when she relocated to Shanghai, China. What started as a plan to teach English for three years extended into an eight-year immersive experience. During this tumultuous time, which spanned the crucial years leading up to and during the early phases of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hahn deeply integrated herself into Chinese culture and society. She formed close and highly influential relationships with prominent figures, notably the legendary Soong Sisters (Soong Ai-ling, Soong Ching-ling, and Soong Mei-ling), who were central to China's political, economic, and social landscape. She also became intimately involved with the renowned Chinese poet and publisher, Shao Xunmei (also known as Sinmay Zau), whose intellectual and artistic circles further enriched her unparalleled insights into wartime China. Her experiences in Shanghai were immortalized in her acclaimed memoir, "China to Me" (1944), offering an intimate and unprecedented Western account of the country during a critical historical epoch.

Hahn’s extensive travels, coupled with a profound and lifelong love for animals, served as foundational wellsprings for much of her literary work. Her writing consistently challenged prevailing Western stereotypes, presenting nuanced, personal narratives that vividly brought distant cultures to life for her readers. Whether detailing the intricate complexities of Chinese family dynamics, the vibrant ecosystems of Africa as seen in "Congo Solo," or delving into the fascinating world of primates (a subject she explored extensively, even working with Koko the gorilla), her prose was consistently informed by direct, empathetic observation and a profound respect for her subjects. Her enduring legacy is that of a writer who not only documented the world but actively engaged with it, pushing both geographical and social boundaries in her relentless pursuit of understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Emily "Mickey" Hahn

What made Emily Hahn an "early feminist"?
Emily Hahn is considered an early feminist because she consistently defied conventional gender expectations of her era. This was exemplified by her pioneering achievement as the first woman to earn a degree in Mining Engineering, her independent and often solitary global travels (such as hiking across Central Africa), her prolific and successful career as a female journalist and author, and her candid personal life, which included raising a child out of wedlock during a time when such choices were highly unconventional. Her life demonstrated a fierce commitment to personal autonomy and breaking societal norms.
How did her travels influence her writing?
Hahn's extensive travels were the core inspiration and factual basis for her writing, providing her with invaluable firsthand experiences and unique perspectives. She distinguished herself by deeply immersing herself in the cultures of Africa and Asia, living among local communities and meticulously observing their daily lives. This authentic engagement allowed her to write with remarkable nuance and accuracy, offering Western readers profound insights into these regions that went far beyond typical travelogues. Her narratives, such as "Congo Solo" and "China to Me," challenged prevailing stereotypes and fostered a deeper understanding of diverse societies and their people.
What was Emily Hahn's connection to China?
Emily Hahn had a profound and enduring connection to China, where she lived for eight years starting in 1935. During this transformative period, she taught English, immersed herself deeply in Chinese culture, and formed significant relationships with pivotal figures. These included the influential Soong Sisters (Ai-ling, Ching-ling, and Mei-ling), who played crucial roles in China's political and social landscape, and the acclaimed poet Shao Xunmei (Sinmay Zau). Her experiences in Shanghai, particularly during the turbulent wartime period, became the subject of some of her most celebrated works, including the seminal memoir "China to Me," which provided an invaluable Western perspective on China during a critical historical era.
Why is Emily "Mickey" Hahn called a "forgotten American literary treasure"?
The New Yorker magazine's designation of Emily Hahn as a "forgotten American literary treasure" speaks to her immense talent, prolific output, and the lasting significance of her contributions, which, despite their quality, have not always received the widespread recognition they warrant. Her unique voice, fearless adventurousness, exceptional ability to bridge cultural divides, and candid portrayal of life in diverse and often challenging settings make her work exceptionally valuable. She offered perspectives rarely seen from a Western woman of her era, making her a vital, though sometimes overlooked, figure in 20th-century literature and journalism, whose work continues to resonate with readers today.