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19th Century Female Explorers
As any historian will testify, a nineteenth-century woman’s place was very much at home. Or was it? For a lucky (and plucky) few, who had a little determination, and the ability to withstand lice infestations, climbing mountains in corsets, rascally guides and occasional certain death - as well as the raised eyebrows of the society they left behind – then the world really was their oyster.
In this lively re-telling of twenty-two extraordinary ladies who did just that, Caroline Roope invites you to journey to the further corners of the earth along with them. From humble missionary Annie Royle Taylor, who knew God would keep her safe, to the haughty aristocrat, Lady Hester Stanhope who defied convention and dressed as a Turkish man including pistol, knife and turban, their collective voices still resonate hundreds of years later. Drawing on their original accounts and archival sources, this expertly researched book brings to light a wealth of stories that are full of grit (sometimes literally), courage, and just enough humor to wish we’d been there with them on their adventures on the other side of the horizon.
So, pack a suitcase, along with a ‘good thick skirt’ à la Mary Kingsley, and prepare to go beyond the garden gate…
In this lively re-telling of twenty-two extraordinary ladies who did just that, Caroline Roope invites you to journey to the further corners of the earth along with them. From humble missionary Annie Royle Taylor, who knew God would keep her safe, to the haughty aristocrat, Lady Hester Stanhope who defied convention and dressed as a Turkish man including pistol, knife and turban, their collective voices still resonate hundreds of years later. Drawing on their original accounts and archival sources, this expertly researched book brings to light a wealth of stories that are full of grit (sometimes literally), courage, and just enough humor to wish we’d been there with them on their adventures on the other side of the horizon.
So, pack a suitcase, along with a ‘good thick skirt’ à la Mary Kingsley, and prepare to go beyond the garden gate…
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
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33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 8, 2023
It was a brilliant idea to write about female explorers, rescuing them from the historical obscurity they’ve been unfairly languishing in, because save for celebrities like Hester Stanhope, these women are not well-known as they should be given their achievements in becoming world explorers on their own at a time when it was both dangerous and socially risky for them to be.
I liked the format of placing the female explorers in six sections according to their motivation for becoming explorers: for religious/missionary reasons (three women), for love of a good or bad man (five women), for science (two women), for fame & fortune & newspapers (three women), for duty (seven women), and for fun (two women). These sections include a shortened biography of each of the women with cursory commentary on their lives and achievements, before and after their voyages. My favourites were the adventures and misadventures of Lady Hester Stanhope, Jane Franklin, Isabella Bird, Marianne North, Nellie Bly, Eliza Bradley, and Ida Pfeiffer. What interesting women they were! I’m sad the information was so scarce for the interest they sparked that I now need to look them up and see if there’s other books about these women somewhere.
My least favourite stories of feminine globetrotting were all of the three missionary ones (Rijnhart, Hore, Taylor) and two of the For Love stories (Fountaine and Lady Ellenborough). In the first case, because of the nature of their objective, though the narration also has to do, too, as here like with the other stories of explorers with different motivations, there was no discussion of the pitfalls of colonialism and cultural imposition. There has been discussion about how male explorers contributed to colonialist expansionism, but none is to be found about their female counterparts doing the same here. That’s a drawback of the book as a whole, because most of the stories are presented as very short biographies, and in some cases there’s no delving deeper into the women’s achievements. There’s so much “they travelled from here to there to yonder” descriptive narration lacking in deeper analysis. And as for the second case, it’s also the presentation: for all that the author laments that these female explorers’ achievements were subsumed to their scandalous romantic lives, she does much the same here. The disastrous love life of Margaret Fountaine takes precedence over her contributions to the science of butterfly classification and study, and Lady Jane Ellenborough’s unconventional life is practically shown as a Mills & Boon romance. You would be hard pressed to tell it from “The Sheik.”
I’d definitely have loved a more nuanced approach, which is only for some and not for all of the explorers, as some are given more onstage time to shine than others, though I do understand it wasn’t meant to be an in-depth study but more of an encyclopaedia type of book presenting a sort of Hall of Fame of remarkable female explorers. As such, this is mostly going to be an introductory sort of book, that will have you intrigued enough to look up more about the women explorers that pique your curiosity; it did for me.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the format of placing the female explorers in six sections according to their motivation for becoming explorers: for religious/missionary reasons (three women), for love of a good or bad man (five women), for science (two women), for fame & fortune & newspapers (three women), for duty (seven women), and for fun (two women). These sections include a shortened biography of each of the women with cursory commentary on their lives and achievements, before and after their voyages. My favourites were the adventures and misadventures of Lady Hester Stanhope, Jane Franklin, Isabella Bird, Marianne North, Nellie Bly, Eliza Bradley, and Ida Pfeiffer. What interesting women they were! I’m sad the information was so scarce for the interest they sparked that I now need to look them up and see if there’s other books about these women somewhere.
My least favourite stories of feminine globetrotting were all of the three missionary ones (Rijnhart, Hore, Taylor) and two of the For Love stories (Fountaine and Lady Ellenborough). In the first case, because of the nature of their objective, though the narration also has to do, too, as here like with the other stories of explorers with different motivations, there was no discussion of the pitfalls of colonialism and cultural imposition. There has been discussion about how male explorers contributed to colonialist expansionism, but none is to be found about their female counterparts doing the same here. That’s a drawback of the book as a whole, because most of the stories are presented as very short biographies, and in some cases there’s no delving deeper into the women’s achievements. There’s so much “they travelled from here to there to yonder” descriptive narration lacking in deeper analysis. And as for the second case, it’s also the presentation: for all that the author laments that these female explorers’ achievements were subsumed to their scandalous romantic lives, she does much the same here. The disastrous love life of Margaret Fountaine takes precedence over her contributions to the science of butterfly classification and study, and Lady Jane Ellenborough’s unconventional life is practically shown as a Mills & Boon romance. You would be hard pressed to tell it from “The Sheik.”
I’d definitely have loved a more nuanced approach, which is only for some and not for all of the explorers, as some are given more onstage time to shine than others, though I do understand it wasn’t meant to be an in-depth study but more of an encyclopaedia type of book presenting a sort of Hall of Fame of remarkable female explorers. As such, this is mostly going to be an introductory sort of book, that will have you intrigued enough to look up more about the women explorers that pique your curiosity; it did for me.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2023
'What I wanted was not shelter and safety, but liberty and opportunity'.
Despite the social change and wealth generated by industrialisation, and the peak of opportunities generated through the mushrooming of the British Empire, for women in the nineteenth century, nothing much had really changed; homemaker and motherhood were generally the epitome of womanhood. For some, however, this was never going to be enough, 'The desire to go beyond - not just geographically but in many cases physically, mentally and spiritually to the very limits of civilisation and human endurance...'.
Caroline Roope's, '19th Century Female Explorers' is a digest of 22 such women. Handily distilled down and categorised by their primary motivation for wanderlust: love, science, God, devotion, adventure, and notoriety, this short book is highly entertaining and readable, 'This book is not to be mistaken for an apology. Not at all...'.
Whether you enjoy history, women's history, or like to dip your toes in intrepid adventures, you're bound to love this book - even giggle at some of the outrageous misogynistic backlash, 'the genus of professional globe-trotters with which America has lately familiarized us is one of the horrors of the latter end of the nineteenth century'. Not war, famine, pollution, just the unmitigated daring of intrepid females. Understand though, that this is a series of themed summations of these women's adventures. Indeed, I have already ordered some of the sourced memoirs to dive deeper into some of the more eccentric women cited. This non-fiction book reads like fiction and definitely exemplifies Lord Byron's, Don Juan, 'Tis strange - but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction';
Despite the social change and wealth generated by industrialisation, and the peak of opportunities generated through the mushrooming of the British Empire, for women in the nineteenth century, nothing much had really changed; homemaker and motherhood were generally the epitome of womanhood. For some, however, this was never going to be enough, 'The desire to go beyond - not just geographically but in many cases physically, mentally and spiritually to the very limits of civilisation and human endurance...'.
Caroline Roope's, '19th Century Female Explorers' is a digest of 22 such women. Handily distilled down and categorised by their primary motivation for wanderlust: love, science, God, devotion, adventure, and notoriety, this short book is highly entertaining and readable, 'This book is not to be mistaken for an apology. Not at all...'.
Whether you enjoy history, women's history, or like to dip your toes in intrepid adventures, you're bound to love this book - even giggle at some of the outrageous misogynistic backlash, 'the genus of professional globe-trotters with which America has lately familiarized us is one of the horrors of the latter end of the nineteenth century'. Not war, famine, pollution, just the unmitigated daring of intrepid females. Understand though, that this is a series of themed summations of these women's adventures. Indeed, I have already ordered some of the sourced memoirs to dive deeper into some of the more eccentric women cited. This non-fiction book reads like fiction and definitely exemplifies Lord Byron's, Don Juan, 'Tis strange - but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction';
December 29, 2025
In the heyday of European colonialism, social mores were constrained for women, who were expected to stay domestic and tend hearth and home. Despite this, many European women managed to go traveling around the world on just as exciting adventures as their males counterparts did, and often recorded what they saw with clearer eyes as well.
Truth is often stranger than fiction, which this book amply proves. Where else would I encounter a woman who sets off to bike around the world without an ounce of actual biking experience? A enslaved Hungarian woman who ends up an English noble? A free-wheeling American heiress who on her many adventures ends up queen of her own Hawaiian island?
With stories like these, it would be easy for the author to overbalance into sensationalism, but Roope manages to balance the compelling journeys of the women with the highly colonialist backdrop of the time they lived in. By grouping explorers not by chronology or location but instead by motivation (whether it be love, fame, duty, or the sheer hell of it), we are afforded a deeper insight into what their experiences might have been like, what they gave up and what they gained.
I especially enjoyed how the author leaned into the bittersweet nature of many of the women’s life stories. Living as daringly as they did, it’s not surprising that some of them came to bad ends, but equally vivid are their triumphs, both personal and public, and the satisfaction of their agency in a time which expectations for women were incredibly constricted. I fully intend to read as many books that the various explorers wrote themselves – and wish that there was a comprehensive list provided, because I’m sure I’m not the only reader who could use this!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Truth is often stranger than fiction, which this book amply proves. Where else would I encounter a woman who sets off to bike around the world without an ounce of actual biking experience? A enslaved Hungarian woman who ends up an English noble? A free-wheeling American heiress who on her many adventures ends up queen of her own Hawaiian island?
With stories like these, it would be easy for the author to overbalance into sensationalism, but Roope manages to balance the compelling journeys of the women with the highly colonialist backdrop of the time they lived in. By grouping explorers not by chronology or location but instead by motivation (whether it be love, fame, duty, or the sheer hell of it), we are afforded a deeper insight into what their experiences might have been like, what they gave up and what they gained.
I especially enjoyed how the author leaned into the bittersweet nature of many of the women’s life stories. Living as daringly as they did, it’s not surprising that some of them came to bad ends, but equally vivid are their triumphs, both personal and public, and the satisfaction of their agency in a time which expectations for women were incredibly constricted. I fully intend to read as many books that the various explorers wrote themselves – and wish that there was a comprehensive list provided, because I’m sure I’m not the only reader who could use this!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 17, 2023
The premise of this book had me excited and I opened it expecting to be impressed and encouraged by women triumphing against the odds. What I encountered in the first 43% of it before I could tolerate it no longer, was depressing and the author’s commentary was judgemental. For all Roope speaks of the society of the time's prejudices, she does exactly the same to the work of missionaries and to the following of love. I am so disappointed, I had such high hopes and didn't expect a subjective voice narrating. Each woman is covered very briefly too so one can't really appreciate her.
July 26, 2023
Thank you to the publishers - Pen & Sword and Pen & Sword History - for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book presents the lives and works of several women who wanted to see the world two hundred years ago. The stories are intriguing and exciting. They really creates an interest to learn more about these ladies but also the world itself in the 19th century. Its only a few generations back (my great-grandfather was born in 1890 for example) but the world has changed an awful lot since the women presented in this book took their journeys.
I feel like this was quite well researched and, as always, I like when photos are included to give some context and a face to the people described.
This book presents the lives and works of several women who wanted to see the world two hundred years ago. The stories are intriguing and exciting. They really creates an interest to learn more about these ladies but also the world itself in the 19th century. Its only a few generations back (my great-grandfather was born in 1890 for example) but the world has changed an awful lot since the women presented in this book took their journeys.
I feel like this was quite well researched and, as always, I like when photos are included to give some context and a face to the people described.
September 4, 2023
19th Century Female Explorers by Caroline Roope was a thrill to read! The author highlights several intrepid women who defied all odds and norms in a time when men ruled the home and the world. Many have dreams but fewer pursue them and as a female adventurer myself this is my wheelhouse. All the women mentioned in this book had various reasons for pursuing the unachievable from their dedication to God to climbing mountains because they were there to immersion in different cultures (one was even hailed as a queen). They were all courageous and faced a plethora of challenges such as horrendous weather, insect problems, tricky transportation, tribal nudity, "sudden death" food and treated like they were out of their minds for even contemplating traversing the planet. Families were sometimes left behind. In one instance, a woman's husband went missing so her objective was to discover why. Some were aristocrats, others wealthy and still others "ordinary" women.
Thankfully, deliciously detailed journals and travelogues were left behind remarking not only on what these women experienced but also their impressions of their surroundings and other people and traditions. In ways I can relate as an expat and am always curious to discover what is around the next bend. Heartbreak and hardship are part of life but much more difficult when you don't speak the language or are familiar with local customs and mores. The strength, determination and grit of these women is astounding. It seems very few did it for fame and fortune (though there is one solid example of that, too).
How I enjoyed this book! If adventure intrigues you, even from the armchair, this is a riveting read, even more so than my (high) expectations. So many intriguing stories but one that stands out to me as I am from a terribly cold climate is the clothing one required, so many layers that the poor woman was rendered unbendable! Details such as this make a very good book great.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword for providing me with a digital copy of this amazing book. They don't get more interesting than this.
Thankfully, deliciously detailed journals and travelogues were left behind remarking not only on what these women experienced but also their impressions of their surroundings and other people and traditions. In ways I can relate as an expat and am always curious to discover what is around the next bend. Heartbreak and hardship are part of life but much more difficult when you don't speak the language or are familiar with local customs and mores. The strength, determination and grit of these women is astounding. It seems very few did it for fame and fortune (though there is one solid example of that, too).
How I enjoyed this book! If adventure intrigues you, even from the armchair, this is a riveting read, even more so than my (high) expectations. So many intriguing stories but one that stands out to me as I am from a terribly cold climate is the clothing one required, so many layers that the poor woman was rendered unbendable! Details such as this make a very good book great.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword for providing me with a digital copy of this amazing book. They don't get more interesting than this.
September 1, 2023
‘Travel and exploitation in the nineteenth century was not for the faint hearted.’
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was incredible to read about these amazing women who despite what “society” thought they should do and how they should act, they went against that and followed their dreams and desires.
The stigma that these women faced from men was pretty frustrating and shocking!
‘A lady an explorer? A traveller in skirts? The notion’s just a trifle too seraphic. Let them stay and mind the babies, or hem our ragged shirts; but they mustn’t, can’t and shan’t be geographic.’
All the women mentioned in this book were great. I did however have a few favourites. One being Elizabeth ‘Nellie’ Bly and the other being Mary Brodrick.
‘As women, they were expected to stay at home and attend to their domestic responsibilities.’
A very inspiring read, one for history lovers, explorers and feminists.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was incredible to read about these amazing women who despite what “society” thought they should do and how they should act, they went against that and followed their dreams and desires.
The stigma that these women faced from men was pretty frustrating and shocking!
‘A lady an explorer? A traveller in skirts? The notion’s just a trifle too seraphic. Let them stay and mind the babies, or hem our ragged shirts; but they mustn’t, can’t and shan’t be geographic.’
All the women mentioned in this book were great. I did however have a few favourites. One being Elizabeth ‘Nellie’ Bly and the other being Mary Brodrick.
‘As women, they were expected to stay at home and attend to their domestic responsibilities.’
A very inspiring read, one for history lovers, explorers and feminists.
October 25, 2023
Nineteenth-century women were expected to be the angels of the home—but some boldly sought adventure instead. This well-researched book spotlights twenty-two extraordinary women who embarked on awe-inspiring global journeys, enduring hardships and scorn along the way.
Discover the treacherous landscapes and unfamiliar cultures where these explorers faced dangers with courage and resilience. Enlivened by archival images, the book offers insight into the women's backgrounds and motivations. It's enlightening reading for anyone interested in women's history, travel adventures, or life in the 19th century.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Discover the treacherous landscapes and unfamiliar cultures where these explorers faced dangers with courage and resilience. Enlivened by archival images, the book offers insight into the women's backgrounds and motivations. It's enlightening reading for anyone interested in women's history, travel adventures, or life in the 19th century.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 21, 2023
It's an interesting read as it divides the women according to their motivation. Some were curious, some wanted adventures and some wanted to convert people.
I found all the portraits interesting even if the different motivation like being a missionary were also part of the colonialist mind set.
Well done and well written
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I found all the portraits interesting even if the different motivation like being a missionary were also part of the colonialist mind set.
Well done and well written
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 12, 2025
I read this book with great interest. What I like is that it is leading me to other books about these intrepid women—their memoirs or other biographies. Or maybe just Wikipedia articles. Roope divides her book into sections of motivation—women who traveled out of duty to their husbands, to further knowledge, to write articles, or just for fun.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews