Born: 1879 (Talbingo, New South Wales)
Died: 1954
Biography:
Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin, known as Miles Franklin, was an Australian writer and feminist who made significant contributions to Australian literature and women’s history. Born on October 14, 1879, in Talbingo, New South Wales, she grew up in the Brindabella Valley on a property called Brindabella Station. Franklin was the eldest child of John Maurice Franklin and Susannah Margaret Eleanor Franklin, both Australian-born members of the squattocracy.
Franklin’s passion for writing was nurtured from a young age by her teacher, Mary Gillespie, and Tom Hebblewhite, the editor of the local Goulburn newspaper. At the age of 21, Franklin published her best-known novel, My Brilliant Career, with the support of Australian writer Henry Lawson. The novel portrays the story of Sybylla Melvyn, an irrepressible teenage girl growing up in rural New South Wales.
After the publication of My Brilliant Career, Franklin explored various career paths, including nursing and working as a housemaid in Sydney and Melbourne. While working, she continued writing under the pseudonyms An Old Bachelor and Vernacular, contributing pieces to publications like The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald. During this time, Franklin also wrote My Career Goes Bung, a sequel to My Brilliant Career, which was not released to the public until 1946.
In 1906, Franklin embarked on a journey to the United States and settled in Chicago. There, she worked as a secretary for Alice Henry at the National Women’s Trade Union League and co-edited the league’s magazine, Life and Labor. Franklin’s experiences in the United States influenced her writing and provided her with valuable insights into feminist movements.
Franklin’s commitment to developing a uniquely Australian form of literature led her to support other writers, literary journals, and writers’ organizations. Her second major literary success, All That Swagger, was published in 1936, many years after its completion. This epic novel explored the lives of the pioneering Australian Franklin family.
One of Franklin’s most significant contributions to Australian literary life was the establishment of the Miles Franklin Award. This prestigious annual prize was endowed by Franklin to recognize exceptional works of literature that depict Australian Life in any of its phases. The Miles Franklin Award continues to celebrate and support Australian authors today.
In 2013, Franklin’s impact on Australian literature and her role in promoting women’s writing was further recognized with the establishment of the Stella Prize. This award is given annually to the best work of literature by an Australian woman, highlighting the continued influence of Miles Franklin’s legacy.
Throughout her life, Miles Franklin actively pursued her literary goals and played a vital role in shaping Australian literature. Her dedication to writing, support for fellow writers, and contributions to women’s history have left a lasting impact on Australian society.
Awards:
– Miles Franklin Award
– Stella Prize