Includes ten contributor's writings on 250 years of women travel writers. Travel is a quest, an escape, a passion. Women explorers and travellers are a special breed. This book covers 22 courageous women who encircled the globe, and boldly crossed international barriers often to encounter the most patriarchal cultures of their time.

Travel can be sacred, an escape, and always enlightening. Women explorers and travelers are a special breed. Some were also incredible writers, recording their cross-cultural impressions with stunning vividness, often crossing into the most patriarchal cultures. The editors and a team of contemporary writers profile 22 courageous women who form a grand tradition. Among them, Lady Hester Stanhope (1776-1839), Fanny Lewald (1811-89), Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922), Gertrude Bell (1868-1926), Isak Dinesen (1885-1962), Anaïs Nin (1903-77), Freya Stark (1893-1993), Ruth Gruber (1911- ), Oriana Fallaci (1930- ). "The writing styles flow well, and the book gives a highly readable introduction to some lesser-known female authors." - Library Journal "As a starting point for readers looking to explore the subject, the anthology will serve quite well." - Publishers Weekly.
Great Women Travel Writers is indexed in H.W. Wilson's Essay and General Literature Index.

Synopsis in Publishing News, 7 July 2006