Description

Angel of the Battlefield

Ishbel Ross

Author of Proud Kate and Rebel Rose

Ishbel Ross, a noted journalist and biographer, spent her formative years in the picturesque Highlands of Scotland, just a stone’s throw away from the grand castle of industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Growing up in such proximity to Carnegie’s residence allowed her a unique perspective on the comings and goings of his esteemed guests. It was during this time that Ross developed a deep appreciation for classic literature, immersing herself in the works of literary giants.

In 1916, Ross made a life-altering decision and left her homeland, venturing across the Atlantic to Canada. She secured a filing job at the esteemed Toronto Daily News, a stepping stone that would soon catapult her into the realm of journalism. Ross’s talent and determination were evident from the start, as she swiftly ascended the ranks of the newspaper, transitioning from a clerical worker to a respected reporter. Within a mere six weeks, she had already made her mark with a front-page headline and her byline, thanks to her groundbreaking coverage of Emmeline Pankhurst’s visit to Canada.

The year 1919 marked a significant turning point in Ross’s career as she joined the prestigious New York Tribune, which would later become the Herald Tribune. It was during her time at the Tribune that she found love in the most unexpected of places. While covering the highly publicized Stillman divorce case, Ross crossed paths with Bruce Rae, a fellow journalist reporting for the New York Times. Their shared passion for storytelling and their dedication to their craft forged a deep connection, leading to their marriage in Montreal in 1922. Despite both being committed to their respective newspapers, Ross and Rae managed to strike a delicate balance between their professional aspirations and their married life.

In 1932, Ross took a leap of faith and published her debut novel, “Promenade Deck.” The success of this literary endeavor emboldened her to pursue a career as a novelist, prompting her departure from the Tribune. However, it was her work as a biographer that truly left an indelible mark on the literary world. Ross’s foray into biography was sparked by a suggestion from Stanley Walker, the city editor at the Tribune. He proposed that she delve into the lives of famous women journalists, a subject that fascinated Ross. Her book, “Ladies of the Press,” explored the diverse roles women played in print journalism, ranging from daring stunt reporters to compassionate “sob sisters,” and from intrepid foreign correspondents to trailblazing editors-in-chief.