Ida M. Tarbell (1857–1944) stands out as an eminent journalist, lecturer, and one of the leading muckrakers of the progressive era in American journalism. Born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, she was notably recognized for her comprehensive investigative reporting which contributed significantly to public discourse and policy reform endeavours during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tarbell's disciplined approach to journalism, characterized by meticulous research and clear, precise writing, is exemplified in her works such as 'The Tariff in Our Times' (1911), in which she scrutinized the complexities of the American tariff system and its implications on society and the economy. Most famously, her magnum opus, 'The History of the Standard Oil Company' (1904), provided an in-depth exposé of John D. Rockefeller's monopoly, effectively reshaping antitrust laws in the United States. Graduating from Allegheny College in 1880 as the only woman in her class, Tarbell went on to pursue a literary career that combined historical scholarship with advocacy journalism. Her literary contributions, marked by critical and methodical examination of socio-economic issues, cements her legacy as a pivotal figure in the development of narrative journalism and as a woman who broke countless barriers in a predominantly male profession. Tarbell's work has left an indelible impact on both the journalistic field and on the Progressive movement, advocating for informed public opinion and governmental accountability.