Author: Dorothy Scarborough

Dorothy Scarborough (1878-1935) was an accomplished American writer, educator, and scholar renowned for her contributions to the study of supernatural fiction. Her scholarly pursuits culminated in a seminal work, “The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction” (1917), which stands as a critical analysis of the use of ghostly and unearthly elements in contemporary literature. Scarborough”s literary critique provides a nuanced discussion of the genre, exploring various authors” use of the supernatural to evoke emotion and convey social critiques. In addition to her academic work, Scarborough authored several novels, with “The Wind” (1925) being the most notable for its atmospheric depiction of the haunting Texas prairies. This work further underscores her preoccupation with Gothic elements and her exceptional talent for setting and mood. Scarborough was also a lecturer in English literature, her academic career marked by a tenure at Columbia University. Her exploration of psychological and eerie components in fiction has cemented her position as an important figure within the study of literary supernaturalism and the development of American Southern Gothic literature. Her body of work continues to be a valuable resource for scholars interested in the intersections of ghostly themes with psychological and social commentary in modern literature.