Faith McNulty

Faith McNulty was an American nonfiction author renowned for her compelling true-crime writing and wildlife literature. She gained widespread recognition for her 1980 book "The Burning Bed," which chronicled the harrowing true story of Francine Hughes, a domestic abuse survivor who set fire to her husband's bed. McNulty also authored "The Wildlife Stories of Faith McNulty," a 1980 collection of her nature writing originally published in The New Yorker, where she worked as a staff writer for many years.

Born Faith Corrigan in New York City, McNulty began her career as a copy girl at the New York Daily News before joining Life magazine and later working for the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II. Her writing spanned multiple genres, from investigative journalism to children's literature, often focusing on animal themes. Notable children's books include "How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World" and "When I Lived with Bats," while her adult-oriented "The Whooping Crane: The Bird that Defies Distinction" demonstrated her versatility. McNulty was married to John McNulty, a prominent figure in the development of creative nonfiction.

Later in life, McNulty wrote a weekly column for The Providence Journal about a local animal shelter operated by the Animal Welfare League, an organization founded by her mother. Known for her lifelong passion for animals, she frequently cared for stray creatures at her Rhode Island farm. McNulty continued writing until suffering a stroke in 2004, passing away at her Wakefield farm. Her body of work remains celebrated for its blend of meticulous reporting and literary craftsmanship across diverse subjects.