Eighty Days

01Introducing Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland: A Prelude to Adventure

In the late 19th century, two women, Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland, embarked on a daring adventure that would take them around the world. Their journey was not just a physical one, but also a journey of self-discovery, ambition, and determination. Nellie Bly, born as Elizabeth Jane Cochran, was a woman of grit and determination. Raised in a mill town in Pennsylvania, she was a self-made woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most famous journalists of her time. Her early life was marked by hardship and struggle, which shaped her into a resilient and tenacious woman. Bly was known for her fearless and bold personality, often taking on assignments that others would shy away from. Her ambition was to make a difference through her work, and she was not afraid to push boundaries to achieve this. On the other hand, Elizabeth Bisland, a Louisiana native, was a woman of elegance and sophistication. Unlike Bly, Bisland was raised in a relatively comfortable environment, which shaped her into a refined and cultured woman. Despite her privileged upbringing, Bisland was not a stranger to adversity. She was known for her calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of challenges. Her ambition was to excel in her field and make a name for herself, and she was willing to step out of her comfort zone to achieve this. The decision to embark on a journey around the world was not a spontaneous one for either woman. Bly, ever the trailblazer, was inspired by Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days" and proposed the idea to her editor at the New York World. Bisland, on the other hand, was not as enthusiastic about the journey but was persuaded by her editor at The Cosmopolitan to compete against Bly. Despite their different motivations, both women were prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead, thanks to their unique backgrounds, personalities, and ambitions. Their journey was filled with numerous challenges and triumphs. Bly, with her fearless and determined personality, tackled each obstacle head-on, while Bisland, with her calm and composed demeanor, navigated through the challenges with grace and poise. Their backgrounds and ambitions played a crucial role in how they approached and overcame these challenges. Understanding the backgrounds, personalities, and ambitions of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland is essential to fully appreciate their journey. Their story is not just about a race around the world, but also about two women who dared to defy societal norms and expectations to pursue their ambitions. Their journey serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us that with determination and courage, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. So, why not delve further into their incredible journey by picking up a copy of "Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World"?