Maiden Voyages: Writings of Women Travelers

"Maiden Voyages" is a compilation of writings by women travelers dating as far back as the 1700s and as recently as the late 20th century. Now before you start moaning and saying to yourself "boring," think about women traveling anywhere before the last half of the 20th century. Some of the stories are simply amazing considering all that the women had to overcome simply to go where they wanted. And these women went everywhere, places where, even today, any well prepared traveler would still find the journey challenging--arctic regions, vast deserts, out in the bush, or riding the rails like a hobo. The women whose stories are collected here also faced unique challenges because of their sex: One story that really struck me was of a woman mountaineer who had to go back up the mountain because she forgot her petticoat and couldn't return to "civilization" without it. The stories of the women collected in this book are enchanting, even inebriating with the allure of the road, for anyone to seeks the world beyond her doorstep. There are lots of excerpts from women whose names you will recognize: Margaret Mead, Joan Didion, Edith Wharton, and others. Even if you are not familiar with the traveler's name, her story is sure to hold your interest. Highly recommended for anyone who loves to travel...or just read about it.

More than just a glimpse into casual voyages or personal treks of the past, Maiden Voyages delivers fabulous tales of wit, cunning, and creativity through the words of female "adventurists". Their bravery, insight and release from the social impositions of their lives enrich their stories, whether they move across an equatorial desert or through a barren polar landscape.

Sitting in the safety and comfort of my living room while reading "Maiden Voyages" made me to feel alternately happy to be home, and then longing to pack a bag, kiss the family goodbye, and take off on an adventure of my own. Presented in chronological order, beginning with the early 1700's, each exerpt is preceded by a brief description of the author. Only more incredible than the journeys themselves are the women who undertook them. I found myself wanting to read not only the complete texts, but also the biographies of the unique women- enough to keep me safely on the couch for a long time