Jane Temple Howard (May 4, 1935 – June 27, 1996) was an esteemed American journalist, author, and educator, best known for her biography of Margaret Mead. Born in Springfield, Illinois, and raised in Winnetka, she was the daughter of Robert Pickrell Howard, a historian and political news reporter for the Chicago Tribune, and Eleanor Howard. Jane had a sister, Ann, and a brother, Henry. Howard’s family background and her father’s remarriage to Elizabeth Thomas (Appel) played a significant role in her life and work.

Howard graduated from the University of Michigan in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree. She was also the recipient of two honorary degrees: a Doctor of Letters from Grinnell College in 1979 and a Doctor of Humane Letters from Hamline University in 1984. During her university years, she contributed as a reporter and editor for the campus newspaper.

Howard’s professional career began at Time-Life as a trainee at 21. She worked at Life magazine from 1956 to 1972 in various roles, including reporter, assistant editor, associate editor, and staff writer. Howard interviewed several prominent literary figures, such as Vladimir Nabokov, Truman Capote, John Updike, and Jacqueline Susann. Her teaching career included stints as a visiting lecturer and writer-in-residence at several prestigious universities. Howard was also a contributing editor for Lear’s magazine and taught non-fiction writing and creative writing workshops at the University of Minnesota and Columbia University, respectively.

Her notable works include “Please Touch,” “A Different Woman,” “Families,” and “Margaret Mead: A Life.” At the time of her passing, she was working on a book titled “Heartland.” Columbia University Libraries maintain a comprehensive collection of Howard’s work, including manuscripts, journals, scrapbooks, and articles, documenting her significant contributions to journalism and literature.