BOURKE-WHITE, MARGARET. (1904-1971). America’s first female war photojournalist best known for her extensive work for LIFE Magazine. ALS. (“Margaret Bourke-White”). 3pp. 4to. Darien, October 24, 1954. To American writer and explorer EDNA ROBB WEBSTER (1896-1978?).
“Under separate cover the two pictures of myself go out to you – the shots about which I wrote you. In one I am sitting in the Kennebec River in Maine taking pictures in a bathing suit; in the other I am in tropical helmet and rain cape riding on a mule thru the mountains of Honduras working with priests on the Jesuit story – riding to very remote villiages [sic] thru the jungle.
I’m sorry there has been so much red tape about the LIFE pictures. All I can say about that is that it used to be much worse. There was a time when almost nothing that was taken to LIFE could be reproduced outside, but they’ve loosened up on that policy a great deal. Since I couldn’t tell them for what magazine the pix were intended (note blank spaces in stamps on the backs) – just let me know soon as you can. I fully understand the reasons given in your letter. Only please stay away from the Ladies Home Journal, and from the McCall’s-Good Housekeeping group, as my book publishers may do something in these directions – later – when my own book is finished. Just let me know soon as you can if and where something is placed. I’m glad to have you do it, on the basis of your excellent article, and am only sorry there has been such delay at this end. Good luck on it.