Sleeping Fires

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton, an influential American author, is known for her novels set in California, including the bestseller Black Oxen, which inspired a silent film. Her prolific writing includes short stories and essays addressing feminism, politics, and war. Atherton's literary journey began with her first serialized work in 1882, leading to her first novel published in 1888. Despite facing family ostracism upon revealing her authorship, she continued to explore themes of identity and societal issues throughout her career.