Nan Britton

Nan Britton
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain · source
Name	Nan Britton
Birth date	June 9, 1896
Birth place	Indiana, United States
Death date	January 21, 1991
Death place	Santa Ana, California, United States
Occupation	Author, Warren G. Harding's mistress

Nan Britton was an American author, best known for her relationship with the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding, and her book detailing their affair, which caused a significant scandal in the United States. Her life was marked by her association with prominent figures, including Warren G. Harding, Florence Harding, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth. Britton's story has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries, including those by H.L. Mencken and Doris Kearns Goodwin. Her experiences have also been referenced in works by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Theodore Dreiser.

● Early Life

Nan Britton was born in Indiana, United States, to a family of modest means, with her early life being influenced by the Social Gospel movement and the Progressive Era. She grew up in an environment shaped by the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Britton's education was likely influenced by the Indiana State Normal School and the Gary Public Schools, which were known for their progressive approaches to education. Her early interests and values were shaped by the writings of Jane Addams, Ida Tarbell, and Upton Sinclair.

● Career

Britton's career as an author was marked by the publication of her book, The President's Daughter, which detailed her alleged affair with Warren G. Harding and the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Ann Britton. The book was a sensation, with reviews and commentary from notable figures such as H.L. Mencken, Dorothy Parker, and Alexander Woollcott. Britton's writing was also influenced by the Lost Generation writers, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and John Dos Passos. Her work has been compared to that of Anais Nin and Colette, who also wrote about their personal experiences and relationships.

● Personal Life

Nan Britton's personal life was marked by her relationship with Warren G. Harding, which began in 1917 and continued until his death in 1923. Her experiences during this time were influenced by the Women's Suffrage Movement and the Roaring Twenties. Britton's social circle included notable figures such as Alice Roosevelt Longworth, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dorothy Parker. Her life was also shaped by the cultural and artistic movements of the time, including the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age. Britton's daughter, Elizabeth Ann Britton, was born in 1919 and was the subject of much speculation and controversy regarding her parentage.

● Controversy and Legacy

The controversy surrounding Nan Britton's relationship with Warren G. Harding and the publication of her book, The President's Daughter, was a major scandal in the United States. The story was covered by numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time Magazine. Britton's legacy has been the subject of much debate, with some viewing her as a pioneer for women's rights and others seeing her as a scandalous figure. Her story has been referenced in numerous works, including those by Gore Vidal, Norman Mailer, and Joyce Carol Oates. Britton's experiences have also been compared to those of other notable women, including Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, and Jean Harlow.

● Later Life and Death

Nan Britton's later life was marked by her continued writing and her efforts to clear her name and establish her daughter's claim to Warren G. Harding's estate. She lived in California and was involved in various social and cultural organizations, including the California Writers Club and the Peninsula Women's Club. Britton's death in 1991 was noted by numerous newspapers and magazines, including The Los Angeles Times and People Magazine. Her legacy continues to be the subject of much interest and debate, with her story being referenced in works by Stephen Ambrose, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Jon Meacham. Britton's life and experiences have also been the subject of numerous documentaries and films, including those by Ken Burns and HBO. Category:American authors