Mary Johnston (1870–1936) was an American novelist and women's rights advocate renowned for her contributions to historical fiction and her involvement in the Suffrage movement. Born in the small town of Buchanan, Virginia, Johnston's literary career burgeoned with her third novel, 'To Have and To Hold' (1900), which became a bestseller. With her evocative prose and diligent research, Johnston captivated readers by bringing to life the past with vivid detail and drama. Johnston's writing often explored themes of honor, freedom, and human endurance, and she did not shy away from depictions of historical conflicts and complexities. Her work 'Sir Mortimer', a novel set in the tumultuous era of the War of the Roses, continues this trend, immersing readers in the intricacies of 15th-century England with skillful narrative and rich characterization. Throughout her career, Johnston's novels reflected her literary prowess and her commitment to portraying the human experience within the tapestry of history. While her advocacy for women's rights paralleled the strong, independent characters she crafted, it was her ability to transpose the passions and trials of historical figures to the printed page that secured her legacy in American literature.