Cora Wilburn

Cora Wilburn (1824–1906) was a 19th-century American novelist, essayist, and poet. Her work was published in Spiritualist and Jewish publications. Wilburn's 1860 novel, Cosella Wayne: Or, Will and Destiny is considered to be the first novel to depict an American Jewish coming-of-age story.

Early life Cora Wilburn was born Henrietta Pulfermacher, possibly in Alsace, France. She entered the United States under the name Cora Jackson. It is believed that her father used the Jackson surname during one of a number of attempts to hide his true identity. Largely autobiographical, it explores themes of interfaith relations, spirituality, Spiritualism, Jewish practice across the world, family strife, social class, mistreatment of workers, gender roles and women's rights. It was re-published in 2019 with an introduction by Jonathan Sarna.