Women of Adventure

Chronicles the lives of women who have traveled around the globe in search of adventure, such as Mary Kingsley's trip to West Africa, Marguerite Baker Harrison's time spent in the Far East, and Ann Bancroft's dangerous travels across Antarctica.

Gr 7 Up-McLean profiles seven women who explored the world from the 19th century to the present day. Mary Kingsley ventured alone on three different occasions into West Africa to study its geography, wildlife, and people. Alexandra David-Neel spent 14 years traveling extensively in China, India, and Tibet, while facing hardships, dangers, and censure. Harriet Chalmers Adams's thirst for adventure led her around the world, and she became an authority on Latin America. Marguerite Baker Harrison was a journalist, spy, and filmmaker. Louise Arner Boyd made many trips to the Arctic as a photographer, resulting in a vital contribution to the world's understanding of that region. Freya Stark's passion for knowledge and adventure fueled her 60-year writing career. Finally, Ann Bancroft became the first woman to cross the ice to both the North and South Poles. Each fascinating story, accompanied by black-and-white photographs and maps, discusses the subject's early background, family life, and motivations. Written in a lively, narrative style, these accounts will please and entertain readers. The book includes a listing of books, films, and Web sites for further information as well as a comprehensive index for easy access.-Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School, Athens, GA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.