GLYNIS RIDLEY is the author of "Clara's Grand Tour: Travels with a Rhinoceros in Eighteenth-Century Europe, "which won the Institute of Historical Research (University of London) Prize. A British citizen, she is now a professor of English at the University of Louisville.
""Thrilling and incensing...Woven throughout this gripping story
are Ridley's piquant insights into eighteenth-century exploration,
botany, taxonomy, biopiracy, and sexism. Baret could not have asked
for a more exacting and expressive champion. Ridley is incandescent
in her passion for the truth." --"Booklist" (starred review)
"A mesmerizing read..."The Discovery of Jeanne Baret", woven from
impeccable research and keen detective work, introduces readers to
a memorable eighteenth-century female scientist who deserves to be
remembered for her contributions to botany, and for her
extraordinary courage and perseverance. Readers will be pulling for
Jeanne Baret as she circumnavigates the world, her pistol ever
ready by her side. The world of eighteenth-century seafaring
expeditions comes alive in this fine book." --Robert Whitaker,
author of "The Mapmaker's Wife"
"Ridley quickly crushes modern romantic ideas of the golden age of
exploration...Captures both the optimism that inspired Baret's
groundbreaking and courageous trip and the sordid reality she
encountered." --"Publishers Weekly"
"A powerful story of a brave and intelligent woman who battled
against the odds to live the life she wanted. Finally, Jeanne
Baret's contributions to botany and world exploration have been
brought to light in this wonderful book." --Amanda Foreman, author
of "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire"
"Inquisitive biography of the first woman to circle the globe by
sea...Ridley has definitely done her homework in recognizing Baret
as an overlooked but important historical figure."
--"Kirkus""Reviews"
"Through skillful sleuthing and impressive research into the life
of her eighteenth-century heroine, the courageous Jeanne Baret,
Glynis Ridley has produced a gripping tale of romance, male
prejudice, exploration, and scientific discovery. A great read--and
all the better that it's true!" --"Julia Fox, author of Jane
Boleyn"
"
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