Representative women of New England/Eugenia B. Frothingham
EUGENIA BROOKS FROTHINGHAM is a young author whose work in letters is as yet designated by quality rather than quantity, her literary ability not having been called into definite use until recently. As a maker of books from choice and not necessity, she can write in leisurely manner and because she has something to say. Born in Paris, France, in 1874, she is of New England parentage, being the daughter of Edward and Eugenia (Mifflin) Frothingham, of Boston. One of her great-grandfathers on the maternal side was the Hon. Benjamin W. Crowninshield, Secretary of the Navy, 1814-lS, under Presidents Madison and Monroe.
Her early education was received in this country. She has also studied and travelled widely abroad. Of musical and artistic temperament, always a student, she is a member of many clubs, among them the Saturday Morning, Authors', and MacDowell.
Her first book, "The Turn of the Road," published in 1901, possessed a charm and merit that gave it instant recognition. It was one of the six best selling books of the year.
"Only an Episode," which apoeared in the Atlantic, is a story of absorbing interest. It is an instance of keen analysis and strong character portrayal!
In the January Critic Miss Frothingham shows her power as an essayist, her article on William Butler Yeats and his work toward the revival of Irish literature being one that to read is a delight. It is a noticeable thing in Miss Frothingham's writing that she never seems to have "talked herself out": there is always evidence of resources in reserve.
Miss Frothingham intends to make literature her profession. Another volume of fiction is in preparation. She is now (winter of 1904) in Paris, and later will move on to Sicily. Though the social demands of Boston's best circles upon her time are many, her tastes impel her to her library and desk, whence, it is safe to prophesy, will come volumes from her pen which will hold a place among the brilliant books of the present decade.