An exciting new book by journalist and author Sally Smith, The Women Who Went Round the World, shines a spotlight on remarkable women who became the first to circumnavigate the globe by sea, land, air, and space. This compelling work aims to celebrate their achievements and elevate their stories to the forefront of historical narrative.
Unearthing Untold Stories
While the narratives of figures such as Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook are well-known, the extraordinary achievements of these pioneering women have largely gone unrecorded until now. Full of entertaining anecdotes, social history, and real adventure, this book ensures that the names of these trailblazing women are finally documented for posterity. Smith’s work provides a much-needed recognition of their invaluable contributions to exploration and society.
A Journey Through Time
The book delves into the lives of eleven extraordinary women from the 18th century to modern times, who broke barriers and embarked on epic journeys. These remarkable women broke societal norms and ventured into unknown lands, setting a precedent for aspiring explorers and adventurers in generations to come.
Among the earliest narratives highlighted is that of Jeanne Baret, an uneducated French woman who, in 1767, assumed a male identity to take part in a French expedition. During this journey, she discovered the now-famous Bougainvillea plant in Rio de Janeiro, although the credit for this discovery was incorrectly attributed to the expedition’s leader, Captain Bougainville, to protect her identity. Baret’s relentless spirit ultimately led her to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, overcoming numerous challenges and hardships along the way.
Adventures of Modern Trailblazers
Smith’s book also highlights the remarkable adventures of Annette Meakin, who became the first woman to travel around the world by train in 1900, traversing remote areas of Russia and escaping the Boxer Rebellion in China. Similarly, the tale of Harriet White Fisher, who in 1909 became the first woman to complete a journey around the world by car, is filled with humour and culminated in her unexpectedly ending up with three surprise passengers—including two dogs and a monkey.
Lady Grace Drummond Hay’s Airborne Journey
One of the most captivating stories within The Women Who Went Round the World is that of Lady Grace Drummond Hay, who in 1929 became the first woman to travel around the globe by air aboard the Graf Zeppelin airship. Her journey, marked by political intrigue and personal drama, epitomises the adventurous spirit shared by all these pioneering women who broke down barriers.
A Passion for Storytelling
Author Sally Smith expressed her enthusiasm for writing the book, stating, “The more research I did, the more truly fascinating stories I discovered. I’ve crafted this book to be an entertaining read for everyone. Full of fabulous adventures and real glimpses into society around the world at various times, it is indeed captivating. However, I am also delighted that there is now an official record of these outstanding women and that their names and achievements are properly recorded for history.” The Women Who Went Round the World is now available for purchase on Amazon and in major bookstores worldwide.