Blanche Wiesen Cook emerged into the world on April 20, 1941, in the bustling heart of New York City, a place forever humming with energy. She was the cherished daughter of David Theodore and Sadonia (Ecker) Wiesen. Cook embarked on her academic journey at Hunter College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. She continued her scholarly pursuits at Johns Hopkins University, securing a Master of Arts in 1964, and ultimately, a Ph.D. in history by 1970.

With a passion for teaching and uncovering the stories of the past, Cook chose to channel her talents into academia. Her early teaching career began as an instructor of history at Stern College for Women, part of Yeshiva University in New York, from 1964 until 1967. Since 1968, she has graced the halls of John Jay College and the Graduate Center at City University of New York with her expertise, also engaging students in the ever-evolving field of women's studies.

Celebrated for her impactful career as a historian, Cook has made significant contributions to scholarly journals with her thought-provoking articles. She was the senior editor for the ambitious 360-volume project, Garland Library on War and Peace (1970–1980), and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Jewish Women’s Encyclopedia (1997). Her editorial and writing prowess is further showcased as coeditor and contributor to Past—Imperfect: Alternative Essays in American History (Knopf, 1973). As an author, Cook has penned four significant works: Crystal Eastman on Women and Revolution (Oxford University Press, 1978); The Declassified Eisenhower: A Divided Legacy of Peace and Political Warfare (Doubleday, 1981); and two volumes on Eleanor Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume One, 1884–1933 (Viking, 1992) and Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume Two, 1933–1938 (Viking, 1999). The eagerly anticipated third volume of her Roosevelt biography is currently in the making.

Cook's illustrious contributions to her field have been recognized with prestigious accolades. In 1992, she was honored with the Feminist of the Year award by the Feminist Majority Foundation and the Lambda Literary Prize. Her scholarly excellence was further acknowledged in 1996 when she was named Scholar of the Year by the New York Council for the Humanities. An active member of the Organization of American Historians, she serves as cochair of the freedom of information committee, and she has held the position of vice president for research within the American Historical Association from 1991 to 1994.

Beyond her scholarly endeavors, Cook has expanded her influence through the airwaves, working as a producer for WBAI and WPFK Radio Pacifica stations, based in New York City and Los Angeles. Her journalistic voice also reaches audiences as a syndicated columnist.