Edith O'Shaughnessy
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.