Fashion writer who survived the Titanic (1877–1975). When World War I broke out, she is claimed by some to have been the first female war correspondent who went into the trenches. Extremely scarce typed letter, signed in type “Edith L. Rosenbaum,” 18 pages, 8.25 x 10.75, May 21, 1917. Very lengthy letter to “John.” In part: “I have had several opportunities of going to the Front but owing to the bleak and cold winter it seemed I lacked the courage. Now, however, in the spring of the year when everything is blooming and one scarcely thinks of War I have actually gone to the Front and seen these villages terribly devastated by the enemy and have been able to judge of the horrors and realities of this great and awful war. I do not want to describe what I saw, but want to guide you mentally from the time I left the hotel until my return, to try in a measure to picture to you what I saw but to suggest what I feel would be impossible.” Rosenbaum goes on to retell several stories from her trip through the war torn countryside, including children handling hand grenades, people returning to their villages after being sacked by the enemy, and other horrors of the war. She has also made some handwritten corrections and notations to the letter as well. In very good condition, with scattered toning and foxing, rusty paperclip impressions to front page, and scattered creases. An incredibly rare offering full of amazing war content. Most of Rosenbaum’s letters were destroyed after her death.
