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Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman in May 1864, was an American journalist, industrialist, and charity worker, renowned for her pioneering work in investigative journalism. She achieved recognition for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, emulating Jules Verne's fictional character Phileas Fogg. This intrepid journey was chronicled in her book 'Around the World in Seventy-Two Days' (1890), which not only captivated readers with its adventurous spirit but also underscored her capacity for detail and vivid narration. Bly's literary style is characterized by her forthright, engaging, and often audacious approach to storytelling, a reflection of her trailblazing career that included going undercover in a mental institution to expose its harsh conditions, detailed in her earlier work 'Ten Days in a Mad-House' (1887). Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of journalism, bringing to light social issues and setting a precedent for women in a predominantly male profession. Bly's incisive writing and relentless pursuit of truth continue to inspire journalists and readers alike. Her legacy as a writer and reporter extends beyond her literature, representing the emergence of women's voices in media and the power of investigative journalism. |
