Dorothy Scarborough

Dorothy Scarborough (1878-1935) was an American writer and academic best known for her novel "The Wind" and her scholarly work on supernatural fiction. Her writing focused on Texas life, folklore, and women's experiences in the American Southwest, while her academic career was primarily spent teaching literature at Columbia University. The author's most significant work, "The Wind" (1925), was initially published anonymously and later adapted into a silent film starring Lillian Gish. Her scholarly dissertation, "The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction," became an influential reference work in the field of supernatural literature studies. Scarborough's academic influence extended through her teaching of creative writing at Columbia University, where she instructed notable authors including Carson McCullers and Eric Walrond. Despite spending much of her professional life in New York, her writing remained deeply connected to her Texas roots and explored themes of frontier life and regional culture. Scarborough's background in academia was extensive, including studies at the University of Chicago and Oxford University before earning her Ph.D. from Columbia. Her work bridged the gap between scholarly analysis and creative writing, contributing to both American folklore studies and regional literature.

Readers appreciate Scarborough's authentic portrayal of Texas frontier life and psychological depth in "The Wind." Multiple reviews note her ability to capture the harsh realities of pioneer women's experiences and the oppressive nature of the constant wind on the plains. Readers liked: - Detailed historical accuracy of settler life - Strong female protagonist's psychological journey - Vivid descriptions of weather and landscape - Integration of folklore elements Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Dense academic writing style in scholarly works - Limited availability of her books in print Ratings: - Goodreads: "The Wind" averages 3.8/5 stars (300+ ratings) - Amazon: "The Wind" maintains 4.2/5 stars (limited reviews due to various editions) - "The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction" receives positive academic citations but few public reviews One reader on Goodreads notes: "Scarborough captures the isolation and psychological toll of frontier life better than any other writer of her era." Several academic reviews praise her scholarly contributions to supernatural fiction studies, though these works remain primarily of interest to researchers.

The Wind (1925) A powerful novel about a woman's psychological struggle against the relentless west Texas wind and frontier isolation.

On the Trail of Negro Folk-songs (1925) A scholarly collection documenting African American folk music, including spirituals, work songs, and ballads gathered through field research.

The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction (1917) A comprehensive academic study examining supernatural elements in English literature from gothic romance through modern ghost stories.

From a Southern Porch (1919) A collection of essays exploring Southern life, customs, and folklore through observations of daily activities and traditions.

Fugitive Verses (1912) A volume of poetry addressing themes of nature, Texas landscapes, and personal experiences in the American Southwest.

Cotton (1929) A novel depicting life on Texas cotton plantations, exploring social dynamics and agricultural challenges in the early 20th century.

Willa Cather Her novels explore frontier life and the American Southwest with similar attention to regional detail as Scarborough. She wrote extensively about women's experiences in frontier settings and the challenges of adapting to harsh environments.

Katherine Anne Porter As a fellow Texas writer, she captured the essence of Southern life and culture in her works. Her stories deal with similar themes of women's roles in society and regional identity that Scarborough explored.

Mary Austin She focused on writing about the American Southwest and its impact on human experience. Her work combines scholarly observation with creative storytelling, examining both the natural environment and folklore of the region.

Zane Grey He wrote extensively about the American frontier and Western landscapes that Scarborough depicted in her work. His novels share similar themes of isolation and human struggles against natural forces.

Mari Sandoz She documented life on the Great Plains through both fiction and non-fiction works. Her writing combines historical research with storytelling techniques, focusing on the experiences of settlers and their relationship with the land.