The Doomswoman (ePub)

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton (1857-1948) was an American author known for her daring and sometimes controversial narrative style, which often tackled issues such as women's suffrage, social reform, and personal freedom. Born into a prominent San Francisco family, Atherton's aspirations extended beyond the domestic expectations of her time, leading her to a prolific literary career. 'The Doomswoman,' an early work published in 1892, is indicative of Atherton's fascination with California's Spanish past and her penchant for strong, complex female characters. This historical romance set against the backdrop of the fading Spanish aristocracy in California showcases Atherton's rich descriptive ability and her skill at weaving historical detail into gripping narrative. Atherton published over 50 books during her career, including novels, collections of short stories, and non-fiction, with notable works such as 'Black Oxen' (1923) and 'The Californians' (1898). Her literary contributions were often polarizing, drawing both acclaim and criticism; nevertheless, Atherton's works have been instrumental in defining the contours of early American feminist literature. Her indomitable spirit and unorthodox views were reflected not only in her work but also in her life, as she maintained a significant presence in literary circles both in the US and abroad until her death in 1948.