Nellie Bly (born Elizabeth Jane Cochran) was an American journalist, writer, and entrepreneur. She made a name for herself and pioneered the field of investigative journalism by writing an undercover expose on a woman’s lunatic asylum. Her colorful and hands-on reporting style earned her the nickname of “girl stunt reporter.”

In 1889 she pitched the idea of a trip around the world to her editor. In the spirit of Jules Verne’s character Phileas Fogg, Bly proposed she could circle the globe in less than 80 days. On November 14, 1889, Nellie achieved her goal, having circled the globe in exactly 72 days, 6 hours, and 10 minutes. During her trip, Bly visited England, and France (where she met with Jules Verne), as well as Italy, the Suez Canal, Ceylon, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.

• Around the World in Seventy-Two Days
• Ten Days in a Mad-House; or, Nellie Bly's Experience on Blackwell's Island.
• Six Months in Mexico