D. K. Broster: Collected Works (eBook)

Dorothy Kathleen Broster, commonly known as D. K. Broster, was an English novelist and short story writer, born on September 2, 1877, in Liverpool, England, and her work continued to gain attention into the mid-20th century. Broster served as a Red Cross nurse during the First World War, an experience that informed much of her writing, imbuing it with a depth of empathy and historical realism. She later settled in Oxford, where she formed a lifelong companionship with Gertrude Winifred Taylor. Broster is best known for her historical novels, especially the Jacobite Trilogy — 'The Flight of the Heron' (1925), 'The Gleam in the North' (1927), and 'The Dark Mile' (1929) — which are widely regarded as her most significant contributions to the historical romance genre. These works were celebrated for their meticulously researched depictions of the 18th-century Scotland and the Jacobite risings. Broster's ability to weave compelling narratives with historical accuracy earned her a dedicated readership and a place in the canon of early 20th-century historical novelists. Her literary output is characterized by a rich narrative style, vivid characterizations, and an ability to bring the past to life. Although her popularity waned in the latter half of the 20th century, the 'D. K. Broster: Collected Works' serves as a testament to her role in shaping historical fiction and preserving the legacy of a writer whose work continues to interest scholars and readers fascinated by the genre. Broster's passing on February 7, 1950, marked the end of a prolific career, yet her novels endure as exemplars of the historical fiction of her time.