American author Mary Hunter Austin (1868-1934) primarily wrote fiction and essays, with many of her works focusing on Native American culture. The novel The Land of Little Rain (1903) was her best known work.

Early Traumas and Inspiration

Austin was born on September 9, 1868, in Carlinville, Illinois, the fourth of six children born to George and Susannah (Graham) Hunter. George Hunter was a lawyer who emigrated from Yorkshire, England, in 1851. Austin's mother was of Scotch-Irish and French descent.

A veteran of the Civil War who had reached the rank of captain, George Hunter was ill for much of his daughter's young life with malaria that he had contracted in the conflict. He died when she was ten years old. A short time after, Austin's most supportive and understanding sister, Jennie, died of diphtheria. These deaths greatly affected Austin's life. Her mother ignored her, did not understand her, and was far...