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Gellhorn: The Extraordinary Life of Martha Gellhorn, the Pioneering War Correspondent Who Lived on Her Own Terms

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A Black And White Portrait Of Martha Gellhorn, A War Correspondent, Wearing A Hat And Holding A Cigarette. Gellhorn: A Twentieth Century Life Caroline Moorehead

Martha Gellhorn was a pioneering war correspondent who lived a remarkable life, spanning the tumultuous events of the 20th century. From witnessing the horrors of the Spanish Civil War to covering the Second World War and the Vietnam War, Gellhorn's dispatches captivated readers worldwide and left an indelible mark on journalism. This article delves into the extraordinary life and career of Martha Gellhorn, exploring her fearless spirit, literary brilliance, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling.

Gellhorn: A Twentieth-Century Life

by Caroline Moorehead

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	500 pages

Early Life and Career

Martha Ellis Gellhorn was born on November 8, 1908, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her father was a successful gynecologist, and her mother was a suffragette. Gellhorn's upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of independence and social justice.

After attending Bryn Mawr College, Gellhorn embarked on a writing career. She published her first novel, "What Mad Pursuit," in 1934, which received critical acclaim. Her passion for travel and adventure led her to Europe, where she witnessed the rise of fascism and the impending threat of war.

Spanish Civil War

In 1937, Gellhorn traveled to Spain to cover the Spanish Civil War. Her dispatches from the front lines, published in "Collier's Weekly," provided vivid and unflinching accounts of the conflict. Gellhorn's reporting captured the horrors of war and the courage of the Spanish people fighting against Franco's forces. She became known for her fearless reporting and her ability to convey the human toll of war.

Second World War

During the Second World War, Gellhorn covered the conflict from multiple fronts. She traveled with the U.S. Army in Italy, witnessed the aftermath of the D-Day landings in Normandy, and was the only woman to land on Omaha Beach with the Allied forces. Her dispatches from the war provided a unique perspective on the experiences of both soldiers and civilians.

Gellhorn's reporting from the war was groundbreaking. She challenged the notion that women were not suited for war reporting and demonstrated the value of female correspondents in conveying the horrors and complexities of conflict.

Personal Life and Relationships

Gellhorn had several notable relationships throughout her life. She married Ernest Hemingway in 1940, but the marriage was tempestuous and ended in divorce five years later. She also had long-term relationships with writer Fred Friendly and war photographer David Douglas Duncan.

Gellhorn's personal life was as unconventional as her professional career. She lived on her own terms, challenging societal norms and expectations. She was known for her strong personality, her independent spirit, and her unwavering commitment to her principles.

Vietnam War

In the 1960s, Gellhorn returned to war reporting to cover the Vietnam War. She was deeply critical of the American government's involvement in the conflict and wrote powerful dispatches exposing the horrors of the war. Gellhorn's reporting from Vietnam helped to raise awareness of the war's devastating impact and contributed to the growing anti-war sentiment in the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Martha Gellhorn died in London on February 15, 1998, at the age of 89. Her legacy as a pioneering war correspondent and a fearless truth-teller continues to inspire generations of journalists.

Gellhorn's dispatches from war zones provided invaluable insights into the human experience of conflict. Her ability to capture the horrors and complexities of war, while also conveying the courage and resilience of those affected, set a new standard for war reporting.

Gellhorn's writings continue to be widely read and studied by journalists, historians, and students of war. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of truth-telling and the power of independent journalism to hold those in power accountable.

Martha Gellhorn was an extraordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. Her fearless spirit, literary brilliance, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. As a pioneering war correspondent, she broke down barriers and paved the way for women in a male-dominated field. Her dispatches from the front lines provided invaluable insights into the human experience of conflict and the devastating impact of war. Martha Gellhorn's legacy continues to inspire journalists and truth-seekers around the world.

Gellhorn: A Twentieth-Century Life

by Caroline Moorehead

4.4 out of 5