Dorothy Edith Gilman, more commonly known as Dorothy Gilman, is a celebrated American author, born on June 25, 1923, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was the daughter of James Bruce and Essa Gilman. Gilman's interest in writing began at a young age, starting when she was just nine years old. Her writing talent was recognized when she won a story contest at the age of eleven, competing against children aged between 10-16 years. Gilman's early experiences shaped her literary career, and her passion for writing only grew stronger as she got older.
After attending the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts between 1940 and 1945, Gilman had plans to write and illustrate children's books. However, her life took a different turn when she married Edgar A. Butters Jr in 1945, a marriage that ended in divorce in 1965. During this time, Gilman worked as an art teacher and a telephone operator before finally becoming an author. She wrote children's stories for more than ten years under the name Dorothy Gilman Butters before transitioning to writing adult novels.
Gilman's adult novels revolved around Mrs. Pollifax, a retired grandmother who becomes a CIA agent. The Mrs. Pollifax series brought Gilman fame and success. Her stories were popular for their adventure and mystery themes, and she was known for featuring strong women having adventures around the world. Gilman's personal experiences, including her knowledge of medicinal herbs and her extensive travels, added depth and authenticity to her writing. In 2010, she was awarded the annual Grand Master Award by the Mystery Writers of America. Gilman spent much of her life in Connecticut, New Mexico, and Maine. She passed away in 2012 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease, leaving behind two sons, Christopher Butters and Jonathan Butters, and two grandchildren. Gilman's legacy as an author lives on through her thirteen Mrs. Pollifax novels and the many lives she touched with her writing.