Born MARY JACOB PHELPS, Caresse was older than Harry

and married too when they met.  She took her new name shortly

after marrying Harry—a name they came up with together.  Before becoming Caresse, Mary had invented the Brassiere.  Her and Harry both wrote poetry, and founded the Black Sun Press, where they published, amongst others, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, and Hart Crane.  After Harry’s death,  Caresse  would continue to run Black Sun Press, write poetry, and support many artists including Salvador Dalí, throughout the remainder of her life.