Author
Edith O'Shaughnessy
1870-1939
Edith O'Shaughnessy (1870-1939) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Edith O'Shaughnessy
Diplomatic Days
"Diplomatic Days" by Edith O'Shaughnessy is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work consists of letters penned during an exciting and tumultuous time in Mexico, as the country was on the brink of a revolution. O'Shaughnessy shares her personal observations and experiences as the wife of an American diplomat, detailing her impressions of the vibrant culture, complex politics, and the overarching tension of impending conflict in Mexico. The beginning of "Diplomatic Days" sets the stage with the author’s first impressions while traveling to Mexico. Edith describes her journey through the tropics, highlighting her encounters with diverse fellow passengers, the exotic sights of Havana, and the unique ambiance she experiences aboard the ship to Vera Cruz. The excitement of arrival in a country steeped in revolutionary turmoil is palpable, as she mentions the Madero uprising and the atmosphere of change enveloping her surroundings. This opening establishes a vibrant narrative that reflects her curiosity and anticipation of the events to come in a land marked by both beauty and chaos.
A diplomat's wife in Mexico : $b Letters from the American Embassy at Mexico City, covering the dramatic period between October 8th, 1913, and the breaking off of diplomatic relations on April 23rd, 1914, together with an account of the occupation of Vera Cruz
"A Diplomat's Wife in Mexico" by Edith O'Shaughnessy is a collection of letters written in the early 20th century, detailing the author's experiences and observations during her time at the American Embassy in Mexico City amidst a chaotic political landscape. The letters span a dramatic period between 1913 and 1914, capturing the tension of revolutionary Mexico, the complexities of diplomacy, and the personal reflections of O'Shaughnessy herself. The central figure is Edith O'Shaughnessy, a woman navigating the challenges of her husband's diplomatic role while engaging with the intricacies of a nation in turmoil. The opening of the book sets the stage for these tumultuous times as O'Shaughnessy describes her arrival in Vera Cruz and the mood of anticipation that surrounds her as they travel to Mexico City. She paints vivid pictures of her surroundings, sharing her thoughts on various individuals, including diplomats and locals, while noting the changing political landscape led by Victoriano Huerta's dictatorship. The narrative details her observations on social interactions, the political climate, and her personal struggles as a wife of a diplomat, all of which promise to unfold in greater depth as the letters progress. Through her letters, the reader is introduced to a unique and intimate perspective on historical events, filtered through the eyes of an engaged observer in a foreign land.
My Lorraine journal
“My Lorraine Journal” by Edith O’Shaughnessy is a personal historical account written in the early 20th century. The work documents the author’s experiences traveling through Lorraine, France, during the First World War, offering observations of war’s devastation, the ongoing efforts at reconstruction, and the resilience of local people. The narrative blends travel writing, memoir, and eyewitness reporting, told from the perspective of a visiting American woman closely connected with diplomatic and relief circles. The opening of the journal begins with O’Shaughnessy recounting the serendipitous events that led her from Paris to the war-torn region of Lorraine. She describes the initial invitation to visit Lunéville, the administrative hurdles of obtaining travel papers, and her evolving journey as she moves through stations filled with soldiers, ruined villages, and reminders of war’s toll. Her early entries focus on encounters with French civilians and military personnel, poignant scenes of destruction and renewal, and the emotional atmosphere in places like Nancy, Lunéville, Vitrimont, and Bar-le-Duc. The writing vividly captures both the landscape—lush and blooming despite the scars of conflict—and O’Shaughnessy’s inner reactions to the contrast between beauty, history, and suffering that defines wartime Lorraine.
Viennese medley
"Viennese Medley" by Edith O'Shaughnessy is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story explores the life of Frau Ildefonse Stacher, a widowed woman of the Viennese middle class, who faces the harsh realities of post-war life. Set against a backdrop of social and economic upheaval, the book delves into themes of loss, familial ties, and endurance as Frau Stacher navigates her changing circumstances. At the start of "Viennese Medley," we meet Tante Ilde, who feels stripped of her identity and dignity in the aftermath of war, having lost not only her wealth but also her place within her family. The narrative introduces her close relationship with her niece, Corinne, as they confront the painful reality of having to sell the family home. As they make difficult decisions regarding their future, Tante Ilde's reflections on her past life reveal a deep sense of sorrow and resilience. Throughout these beginning chapters, the reader is drawn into the emotional landscape of a woman grappling with her displacement, her memories, and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Alsace in rust and gold
“Alsace in Rust and Gold” by Edith O’Shaughnessy is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work chronicles O'Shaughnessy’s experiences in the Alsace region of France during the closing days of World War I. Centering on the people, places, and atmosphere of war-touched Alsace, the book provides a vivid, personal impression rather than a statistical or polemic analysis. It focuses on daily life, the transformation of place and people under wartime, and the unique blend of sorrow and vitality that characterizes the region during a historic turning point. The opening of “Alsace in Rust and Gold” sets the scene with O’Shaughnessy’s journey from Paris to the front in autumn 1918, as she travels by train amidst French and American soldiers, grieving civilians, and war-torn landscapes. Upon reaching Masevaux, she joins the French Military Mission during the emotionally charged days before the Armistice. The narrative captures local ceremonies, encounters with both townspeople and fellow officers, and the atmosphere of tension, hope, and grief that permeates everyday life. O’Shaughnessy’s descriptions weave together poignant observations, regional color, and reflections on loss and resilience, offering readers a deeply human perspective on Alsace at the end of the war.