Nellie Bly:: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist

by Brooke Kroeger

Book Overview

Now in paperback--the acclaimed biography of Nellie Bly, the "thrilling account of a trailblazer" (Pat Morrison, Los Angeles Times Book Review). "Kroeger's biography of Nellie Bly moves at almost as fast a pace as did Bly's remarkable life."--Mindy Spatt, San Francisco Chronicle. Photos & illustrations. From the Trade Paperback edition.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812919734
• ISBN13: 9780812919738
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 631 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.0" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Nellie Bly was astonishing

This is a fine biography of an amazing woman. I'm astonished by the negative reviews. It's a big book, but I couldn't put it down and finished it in a few days. It's well-documented and exciting. Whether it's delineating the well-known exploits of Bly such as her feigning insanity to get into the mental institution or her speedy trip around the world, or whether it's showing the less known aspects of her life such as her business career and legal problems, the force of the woman's character and personality (and her joy in living) comes through in documented and cumulative detail. There is no need for Nellie Bly the "legend". The facts of the matter are clear enough. Nellie was one hell of a woman.

a biography for scholars

This is the only scholarly biography of Nellie Bly available. It is carefully researched and documented, and presents a nuanced and composite picture of Nellie Bly. It is not a splashy story, which is probably why the other reviewers found it dull and dry. For research purposes, however, that's a very good thing. An excellent bibliography points interested researchers to secondary and primary sources.

Fascinating Tale of a Remarkable Lady's Life

Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Jane Cochran) was a very interesting lady. I chose her for my report, and this was the most helpful book. I didn't think I'd want to read the whole book through, but I did since Bly's life was so exciting!