Around the World in Seventy-Two Days: And Other Writings - Classic Text | Alexandria
Around the World in Seventy-Two Days: And Other Writings by Nellie Bly is more than a travelogue; it is a testament to the audacity and relentless spirit of Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, better known as Nellie Bly. The book, published in 1890, chronicles Bly's solo journey around the globe, a feat designed to beat the fictional record set by Jules Verne’s Phileas Fogg. Is it merely a recounting of her travels, or does it represent something more profound about ambition, gender, and the pursuit of the seemingly impossible during the Gilded Age?
The first serialized accounts of Bly’s adventure appeared in The New York World in November 1889, captivating readers with their immediacy and grit. The late 19th century was an era of burgeoning industrialization, global exploration, and intense societal changes—a time when the world felt both vast and increasingly interconnected. Bly's race against time resonated deeply in an age obsessed with speed, progress, and the shrinking of geographical boundaries. The voyage commenced amidst fervent speculation and wagerings, transforming Bly into a symbol of American ingenuity and female emancipation.
Bly’s narrative extends beyond mere geography. It touches upon the burgeoning power of the press, the evolving role of women in society, and the allure of adventure. The book has been interpreted as cultural commentary, a celebration of progress, and a subtle critique of the constraints imposed upon women. Did Bly consciously craft her journey as an act of rebellion, or was she simply a journalist seizing an extraordinary opportunity? Anecdotes of her encounters in England, Egypt, Ceylon, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, hint at a character both observant and opinionated.
Today, Around the World in Seventy-Two Days remains a powerful symbol of unyielding determination and pioneering spirit. It inspires readers to question limitations and defy expectations. The journey continues to be referenced in literature, film, and even in modern-day attempts to break travel records, serving as both a historical marker and a source of timeless inspiration. But what truly propelled Nellie Bly: a thirst for adventure, a drive for journalistic recognition, or something still deeper that resonates across the ages?