History’s Forgotten Female Explorers Finally Recognised in New Book

SOMERSET, UK. October 2nd, 2024 – An exciting new book by journalist and author Sally Smith, The Women Who Went Round the World, shines a spotlight on the remarkable women who became the first to circumnavigate the globe by sea, land, air, and space. 

While the stories of figures like Sir Francis Drake and Captain Cook are well-known, the extraordinary achievements of these women have largely gone unrecorded - until now. Full of entertaining stories, social history and real adventure, this book also ensures that, at last, the names of these pioneering women are finally officially recorded for posterity.

The book delves into the lives of 11 trailblazing women, from the 18th century to modern times, who broke barriers and embarked on epic journeys, often defying societal expectations and navigating uncharted territories.

One of the earliest stories featured is that of Jeanne Baret, an illiterate French woman who, in 1767, disguised herself as a man to join a French expedition. Along the way, she discovered the now-famous Bougainvillea plant in Rio de Janeiro, though the credit was wrongly attributed to the expedition's leader, Captain Bougainville, to protect her identity. Baret's journey continued, eventually making her the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, despite numerous challenges.

Smith’s book also highlights the adventures of Annette Meakin, who in 1900 became the first woman to travel around the world by train, journeying through remote parts of Russia and escaping the Boxer Rebellion in China. Similarly, the tale of Harriet White Fisher, the first woman to circumnavigate the world by car in 1909, is filled with humour and ended with three unexpected passengers —including two dogs and a monkey.

One of the most captivating stories in The Women Who Went Round the World is that of Lady Grace Drummond Hay, the first woman to travel around the world by air aboard the Graf Zeppelin airship in 1929. Her journey, marked by political intrigue and personal drama, epitomises the spirit of adventure shared by all these pioneering women.

Author Sally Smith says she loved writing the book: “The more research I did, the more truly fascinating stories I discovered,” she said. “I’ve written the book to be an entertaining read for everyone and, full of fabulous adventure plus real glimpses into society around the world at different times, it is certainly fascinating, but I am also delighted that at last there is now an official record of these outstanding women and their names and achievements are properly recorded for history.”

The Women Who Went Round the World is published by The History Press and is now available for purchase on Amazon and in major bookstores.