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Emily Noyes Maxwell (August 25, 1921 – July 23, 2000) was an American author and painter. From 1945 until her death, she was married to the author and editor William Keepers Maxwell Jr.

Early Life

Maxwell was born in Portland, Oregon on August 25, 1921. As a child, she spent her recreational time outdoors. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English.

Life Career

From 1957 to 1965, Maxwell wrote year-end reviews of children’s books for the New Yorker’s Christmas list. During this time, she was responsible for popularizing the children’s book The Phantom Tollbooth through a positive review in the 1961 edition of her review. In painting, Maxwell moved from an early interest in abstraction to a later focus on still-life work. In 1986 she won the medal of honor of the American Women Artists. She exhibited in solo and group exhibitions both in New York and elsewhere. 

Maxwell married William Keepers Maxwell Jr. in 1945. He dedicated a number of books to her, including a book of fables, The Old Man at the Railroad Cross and Other Tales (1957), some of which were written for her as bedtime stories, and others as Christmas presents. The two formed the center of an important literary salon in twentieth century American letters, due in part to Emily's work on behalf of her husband, and William's position and connections as editor of the the New Yorker.