About
Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, was an American journalist and pioneer of investigative journalism. In 1887, she feigned insanity to be committed to the Blackwell's Island asylum, exposing its inhumane conditions in her book 'Ten Days in a Mad-House', leading to a grand jury investigation and reforms. In 1889-1890, she set a world record by circumnavigating the globe alone in 72 days, inspired by Jules Verne's novel. She also covered the women's suffrage movement and World War I.
* 1864-05-05 — † 1922-01-27
Major works
- Ten Days in a Mad-House (1887)Investigative book
- Six Months in Mexico (1888)Collection of reports
- Around the World in Seventy-two Days (1890)Travelogue
Key milestones
- 1887Publication of 'Ten Days in a Mad-House' after her undercover stint at Blackwell's Island asylum.
- 1890Completes a solo trip around the world in 72 days, beating the fictional record of Phileas Fogg.
- 1913Participates in the women's suffrage parade in Washington, D.C.
Themes
Investigative journalismMental health care reformWomen's rightsTravel and explorationSocial justice
Sources: womenshistory.org · britannica.com · guides.loc.gov