By Rosemary J Brown, author of Following Nellie Bly: Her Record-Breaking Race Around the World.
Nellie Bly fans unite! The life and lessons of the intrepid journalist will take centre stage in the Royal Geographical Society’s Ondaatje Theatre when BBC news presenter Martine Croxall delivers ‘Investigating Nellie Bly: reflections on journalism and the power of curiosity’ for the Monday night lecture on 26 September.
Continue reading Nellie Bly: Back on the map at the RGSBy Rosemary J Brown
Women in history shouldn’t be a mystery … and that includes female travellers. Challenged by traditions that placed them firmly in the home, these women burst through social and geographical boundaries to explore, experience and document the world.
Women like intrepid explorer Isabella Bird (1831–1904), queen of the desert Gertrude Bell (1868–1926) who mapped out Iraq, and wayfaring biologist Mary Kingsley (1862–1900). They all left their inhibitions at home and journeyed into the unknown alone. But the female traveller I know best of all is trailblazing journalist Nellie Bly (1864-1922) who circled the world faster than anyone ever had – 72 days – in 1890.
Continue reading Women’s History Month: Exploring Female Travellers-by Rosemary J Brown
Journalist Nellie Bly made history on Roosevelt Island in New York City in 1887. On 10 December 2021 she did it again. I was there.
The Girl Puzzle monument, honouring the life and legacy of Nellie Bly, was unveiled steps away from the scene where she pioneered a brave new journalism. Investigative reporting was born when Bly feigned madness to investigate the brutality suffered by vulnerable women committed to the insane asylum on the island bordering Manhattan. Her accounts in The New York World and book Ten Days in a Mad-House horrified the public and brought about sweeping changes.
Continue reading Monumental Tribute to Pioneer of Investigative Journalism: Nellie BlyGLOBETROTTER NELLIE BLY’S ADVICE FOR THE ADVENTURER
Six top tips
By Rosemary J Brown
Trailblazing journalist Nellie Bly circled the world faster than anyone ever had in 1890. She travelled alone — literally with the clothes on her back and a Gladstone bag – to beat the fictional 80-day record of Phileas Fogg. When she won her race around the world in 72 days, it was called “the most remarkable of all feats of circumnavigation ever performed by a human being”.
Continue reading Following Nellie BlyWhether it’s exploring new territories, sailing around the world, cycling across continents, or immersing themselves in a different culture, we’ve been seriously inspired by the women writers whose books have graced our shelves.
And it’s not just the writers. Since opening in 1853 we have heard some amazing stories of the adventures our female customers have been on. We even have a letter from Florence Nightingale thanking Stanfords for a mounted map. Continue reading Be More Adventuress this International Women’s Day
