In 1885 few careers were open to women, least of all in the newspaper world. But tiny, eighteen-year-old Elizabeth Cochrane became America's first woman reporter, and under the by-line of Nellie Bly scandalized and thrilled the nation.

She risked her life to expose crime and corruption and risked her reputation as a "lady" by going into slums, prisons and sweat factories to get her stories first-hand. She got herself committed to Blackwell's Island, pretending insanity, in order to investigate and report on rumors of brutalities to mental patients. She was attacked, resented, reviled — but her stories were read by millions in New York City's famous newspaper, The World. And when she set out to beat the record of Jules Verne's hero who went "Around the World in Eighty Days," she became an international heroine, racing around the globe and completing the trip in 72 days, 6 hours and 10 minutes!

Whatever her assignment, Nellie's stories were always passionate pleas for justice, and her acting ability was as persuasive as her writing. Posing as a silly matron she wheedled damaging admissions from a corrupt lobbyist, which caused his arraignment by a senate committee. Posing as an immigrant, she exposed fraudulent employment agencies. As an innocent country bumpkin she trapped a man who preyed on young girls.

Nellie's frantic race around the world brought her international fame. Americans cheered for her and prayed for her. Scoops . . . sensation . . . there was no time for romance until she met an attractive millionaire and fell in love.

Despite jealous, competitive men, Nellie Bly pioneered the way for today's newspaperwomen. And though eulogized in life, her obituary would have pleased her most. The New York Journal said, ". . . She was considered America's greatest reporter."

From the dust jacket