Around the World in 72 Days

Around the World in 72 Days chronicles journalist Nellie Bly's 1889 attempt to break the fictional record set by Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days. The book compiles Bly's newspaper dispatches written during her journey, documenting her experiences as she races eastward across the globe for the New York World newspaper. Bly's account captures the state of global transportation and communication in the late Victorian era, as she navigates steamships, trains, and local transportation methods across multiple continents. Her status as a solo female traveler in the 19th century adds complexity to her interactions in ports, rail stations, and foreign cities. The text blends journalism, travelogue, and adventure narrative as Bly maintains her focus on both speed and observation throughout the journey. Her dispatches include details about fellow passengers, local customs, and the logistics required to maintain her ambitious schedule. The book stands as both a record of Victorian-era globalism and an early example of immersive journalism, highlighting themes of gender roles, technological progress, and cultural exchange at the end of the 19th century.

Readers value this first-hand account of Bly's record-breaking journey for its historical significance and adventurous spirit. Many note her direct, newspaper-style writing captures the excitement of racing against time while providing glimpses into 1889 world cultures. Readers appreciate: - Detailed observations of transportation methods and travel conditions - Bly's determination and independence as a female traveler - Cultural descriptions of countries visited - The competitive element against Elizabeth Bisland Common criticisms: - Writing can feel rushed and superficial - Some cultural descriptions reflect 19th century prejudices - Limited emotional depth or personal reflection - Abrupt ending Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (240+ ratings) "A fascinating slice of history" and "inspiring female adventure story" appear frequently in reviews. Several readers note the book works better as a historical document than pure entertainment, with one Goodreads reviewer stating "the appeal is more in the feat than the writing."

West with the Night by Beryl Markham This memoir chronicles a female aviator's pioneering flights across Africa in the 1920s and her determination to break aviation records.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson This travelogue follows the author's journey through Australia's cities, outback, and wilderness while exploring the continent's history and culture.

Tracks by Robyn Davidson The account details a woman's 1,700-mile trek across the Australian desert with four camels and her dog in 1977.

Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle by Dervla Murphy The narrative follows a solo female cyclist's 1963 journey from Ireland through Europe, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to reach India.

Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer This travel memoir documents an Austrian mountaineer's escape from a British internment camp and his journey through Tibet, where he became a tutor to the young Dalai Lama.

✈️ Nellie Bly embarked on her journey in 1889 to beat the fictional record set in Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days," completing her trip in just 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes. 🗞️ The trip was sponsored by her employer, Joseph Pulitzer's newspaper "The New York World," which turned her journey into a media sensation and even ran a contest for readers to guess her exact arrival time. 👜 Bly carried only a single small handbag for the entire journey, containing essentials like a dress, toiletries, and writing materials - proving that light travel was possible even in the Victorian era. 📝 The book was initially published as a series of real-time dispatches in "The New York World," allowing readers to follow her adventure as it happened, making it one of the earliest examples of live travel journalism. 🚂 During her journey, Bly met Jules Verne himself in Amiens, France, where the author told her, "If you do it in seventy-nine days, I shall applaud with both hands." She beat even his expectations.