Ruth Comfort Mitchell (1882–1954), who also wrote under her married name Mrs. Sanborn Young, was an American novelist, playwright, and poet active during the first half of the twentieth century. Born in California, she established a diverse literary career that spanned multiple genres, including fiction, drama, and poetry. Her work often captured the social dynamics and landscapes of her native United States, particularly California.
Mitchell is best remembered for her 1940 novel, Of Human Kindness, which was written as a direct response to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. Through this work, she presented a different perspective on the Dust Bowl migration and California's agricultural industry, focusing on the challenges faced by local ranchers and landowners. Beyond her novels, Mitchell was a successful playwright, and several of her stories and written works were adapted into motion pictures during the silent and early sound eras of Hollywood.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Mitchell was highly active in civic and political life. She was married to Sanborn Young, who served as a California State Senator. Her position allowed her to engage closely with political issues of her time, which occasionally influenced her writing. She continued to write and remain active in her community until her death in 1954.
