[4] McLandburgh's 1873 short story "The Automaton-Ear" is considered an early example of science fiction by an American woman,[5][6] as it concerns an ear trumpet that can replay every sound ever made.
[7][8] Her 1876 collection of stories includes other tales with science fiction themes.
[1] One reviewer said the collection exhibited McLandburgh's "imaginative power", but that several of the stories were "too fanciful.
[10] Later in life she wrote poetry, often with humorous, patriotic or military themes,[11][12] published in newspapers and magazines under the pseudonym "McLandburgh Wilson.
[27] Her gravestone in Graceland Cemetery in Chicago is shaped like a book resting on a pillow.