author
Mary Hastings Bradley
1882–1976
An adventurous early-20th-century writer, she turned long journeys, wartime reporting, and a gift for storytelling into mysteries, travel books, and historical novels. Her life stretched from Chicago literary circles to expeditions in Africa and service as a World War II correspondent.
3 Audiobooks
The Innocent Adventuress
by Mary Hastings Bradley
The Palace of Darkened Windows
by Mary Hastings Bradley
The Fortieth Door
by Mary Hastings Bradley
About the author
Born in Chicago in 1882 as Mary Wilhelmina Hastings, she graduated from Smith College and went on to build a remarkably varied writing career. She published fiction, travel writing, and historical novels, drawing on real journeys and a keen eye for atmosphere.
Some of her best-known books grew out of her travels, including The Palace of Darkened Windows and On the Gorilla Trail. Later, her work also reflected her interest in Chicago history, and archival records describe her not only as an author and lecturer but also as a traveler, philanthropist, and clubwoman.
During World War II, she served as a correspondent with the Women’s Army Corps, adding yet another chapter to an already eventful life. She is also remembered as the mother of Alice Sheldon, the writer better known as James Tiptree Jr., making her part of a fascinating literary family across two generations.