Austin, Mary, 1868-1934

Mary Hunter Austin has variously been identified as a feminist, naturalist, mystic, author, and even "woman of genius." She was one of the leading literary figures of her time, the author of 27 books and more than 250 articles, stories, poems and other short pieces. In 1900, Mary Austin settled in Carmel and became one of the founders of the literary colony. In 1918, Austin traveled to New Mexico, hoping to continue on to Mexico to conduct research on folk traditions. In New Mexico she was contracted by the Carnegie Institution to participate in its Americanization Study. In 1924 she moved to Santa Fe, N.M. She was associated with the Indian Arts Fund and was founder of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. She fought for such causes as the Court of Domestic Relations, the Community Kitchen, the recognition of Indian rights, Arizona's side in the Boulder Dam fight, as well as for the feminist cause and creative freedom in America.

From the description of Mary Hunter Austin papers, 1892-1934. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 39041930

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