About Arlene Eisenberg
Lived 1934 – 2001 (aged 66). Arlene Eisenberg was an American writer.
Arlene Leila Scharaga Eisenberg (June 8, 1934 – February 8, 2001) was an author best known for her contributions to parenting to self-help literature. Eisenberg co-wrote what has been described as the "bible of American pregnancy," What to Expect When You're Expecting. The book's success led to the What To Expect parenting series, which as of 2012, has sold over 34 million copies in 30 languages.
Eisenberg married Howard Eisenberg at 18. Howard Eisenberg, then, a publicist for singer Eddie Fisher, encouraged Eisenberg to write. With Arlene's newfound inspiration, the duo soon began writing together, publishing articles and books in the major media. As of 2016, Howard Eisenberg continues to write in tribute to Arlene's honor.
Legacy Eisenberg died from breast cancer February 8, 2001. Eisenberg's collaborator and daughter Heidi Murkoff continues to write new books and update the earlier books in the What to Expect series with up to date material. In 2000, The What to Expect Foundation was created by Eisenberg's book team to provide educational resources to needy families.
Awards and honors In 2001, Eisenberg was posthumously awarded the 2001 Career Achievement Award by the American Society of Journalists and Authors In 2000, Eisenberg, along with her husband was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hunter College In 1993, Eisenberg along with her husband won First prize winner of the 1993 Markie Award, sponsored by the National Foundation for Alcoholism and Addiction Communication (NFAAC) for the Recovery Book In 1965, Eisenberg won the Gold Medal by the National Council of Christian and Jews, for the Look Magazine cover story: "The Christian War on Anti-Semitism" The honoris causa doctorate received by Arlene Eisenberg from Hunter College (2000).
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Arlene Eisenberg's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Arlene Eisenberg's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Arlene Eisenberg?
American writer
When was Arlene Eisenberg born?
Arlene Eisenberg was born on 8 June 1934 in New York.
When did Arlene Eisenberg die?
Arlene Eisenberg died on 8 February 2001.
What was Arlene Eisenberg's occupation?
Arlene Eisenberg was a writer.
What nationality was Arlene Eisenberg?
Arlene Eisenberg was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Arlene Eisenberg. https://biography.guide/arlene-eisenberg/
MLA: "Arlene Eisenberg." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/arlene-eisenberg/.
Chicago: "Arlene Eisenberg." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/arlene-eisenberg/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:04 UTC