Nellie Bly, a newspaper reporter, raced around the world in 1889-1890 as a circulation-boosting stunt for powerful Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World.  Her goal: Beat the “record” in Jules Verne’s still best-selling novel Around the World in 80 Days.  In competition, Elizabeth Bisland, also a journalist, was dispatched in the opposite direction by John Brisben Walker’s struggling Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Both dauntless young women vanquished Fogg, but Nellie arrived home first and was acclaimed by millions.  Miss Bisland was consigned to oblivion, yet she remains the more intriguing personality.  The adventurous Bly wanted to go; her elegant, comfort-loving rival did not.

The two ladies coped with cultures in strange, far-off lands and braved terrible storms at sea—at a time when it was considered outrageous for a woman to travel great distances alone and unchaperoned.  They became pawns in a media war between two male publishers, each of whom vowed to spare no effort or expense to ensure his female won.

Praise for AROUND THE WORLD IN 72 DAYS

“The ultimate picaresque romp….a crackerjack tale of two indomitable and resourceful young woman circumnavigating the globe when the going was tough, male and unpredictable.”

--John Maxtone-Graham, author of Titantic Survivor

“As a publicity stunt in 1889, rival publishers sent two female journalists (spunky Nellie Bly and charming Elizabeth Bisland) on an around-the-world race.  This entertaining account of that spirited competition should garner teen interest.”

--Booklist

“An entertaining story.  A recommended purchase for travel and women studies collections.”

--Library Journal

“A very exciting day-by-day account of two women racing around the world, one of whom was not well-known.  The suspense is high and makes for riveting reading.”

--Hilary Ward, Editor and Publisher

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