Isabella Bird

1831-1904

English explorer who traveled widely and wrote numerous books. Bird was born at a time when women's activities were severely restricted.

At the age of 40, after studying science and literature, she began to travel alone. Following trips to Australia, Hawaii, the United States, the Orient, Tibet, and Morocco, she went home, gave lectures, and wrote of her adventures. Her books showed that a woman could live an unorthodox life and still contribute to society. Many of her books are still in print.