Mary Jo Murphy

Washington, D.C.

Deputy Democracy editor

Education: University of Virginia, BA in English language and literature; Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, MS

Mary Jo Murphy is a deputy editor on the Democracy team at The Washington Post. She was previously an editor in the Outlook section, and before that an editor for more than 20 years at The New York Times. She was also an editor at the New York Daily News, Us magazine and Travel + Leisure magazine, and a features reporter at The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Va.
Latest from Mary Jo Murphy

From a former museum guard, a meditation on art, time and loss

After his brother died, Patrick Bringley found solace and stillness in his job at the Met, he writes in “All the Beauty in the World.”

February 9, 2023

The most intriguing revelations, new evidence from Jan. 6 transcripts

The committee that investigated the riot at the Capitol spent the last two weeks publishing thousands of transcripts, emails, text exchanges, videos and other documents.

January 3, 2023

    Need a reading recommendation? The Books team answered your questions.

    Book World's critics and editors share their suggestions for holiday gift-giving.

    December 9, 2022

    Elsie who? At one time, millions read Elsie Robinson’s columns.

    The new book ‘Listen, World!’ illuminates the life and work of a pioneering journalist who overcame many hurdles to become the most popular columnist of her time

    October 11, 2022

    The hotel that nurtured ambitious women and their New York dreams

    Immortalized by Sylvia Plath, the Barbizon offered liberation, writes Paulina Bren.

    March 26, 2021

    The greatest documentary of all time isn’t going to win an Oscar

    Michael Apted's "63 Up" is the latest and probably last installment of a 50-year masterpiece that defies categorization.

    February 7, 2020

    How Trump changed my country

    Thirteen writers from around the world on the way the president scrambled their nations’ affairs.

    December 19, 2019

    Some people are uncomfortable with touchers like Biden. Should they set the rules?

    Biology loves a gentle touch. Society is less sure what the norm is.

    April 12, 2019

    The high-minded justification of a Briton who spied for the Soviets

    Roland Philipps explores the ideology that prompted Donald Maclean’s traitorous actions.

    June 15, 2018