In 1887, journalist Nellie Bly undertook a daring undercover investigation by posing as a mentally ill, homeless woman to reveal the horrific conditions at Blackwell's Island asylum. Her vivid accounts of neglect and abuse faced by female residents not only horrified the public but also catalyzed reforms in the treatment of the mentally ill. Bly's work is celebrated as a pivotal moment in investigative journalism, highlighting the power of the press to effect social change.
Nellie Bly's undercover investigation in the late 1800s reveals the shocking realities of Victorian mental asylums. Through her courageous reporting, she exposes the inhumane treatment and dire conditions faced by patients, offering a powerful critique of the mental health system of her time. This account not only highlights her pioneering spirit as a journalist but also serves as a significant commentary on societal attitudes towards mental illness.
In 1887, Nellie Bly went undercover for the New York World newspaper by feigning insanity to investigate conditions at the Blackwell's Island insane asylum.
Born Elizabeth Jane Cochran, the author was renowned as America's first 'girl
stunt reporter'. She was a pioneer of investigative journalism, including an
expose of patient treatment at a mental asylum and a travelogue from her
record-breaking race around the world in emulation of Phileas Fogg. This title
deals with her works.
From the bestselling author of TEN DAYS IN A MAD HOUSE, this collection features the complete articles of pioneering journalist Nellie Bly for the first time. Bly is renowned for her undercover investigation of Blackwell's Island insane asylum and her race around the world to beat Jules Verne's record. However, her career as a reporter, spanning from 1885 to 1922, encompasses much more. During her time at Joseph Pulitzer's New York World, she wrote hundreds of stories on diverse topics, interviewing presidential candidates, criminals, sports legends like John Sullivan, and inspirational figures such as Helen Keller and Susan B. Anthony. Her work ranged from exposing corrupt lobbyists to reporting on strikes and even trying her hand at acting. Despite her adventurous career, only a few of her articles have been accessible until now. Edited by David Blixt, this collection includes her impactful reporting, starting with her explosive debut articles detailing her experiences in the asylum. Among the 33 articles featured are pieces like "What Becomes of Babies," "The Girls Who Make Boxes," and "Nellie Bly on the Stage." Explore the full range of Bly's remarkable talent and her rise to becoming one of America's most famous women!
The travelogue offers a vivid account of Nellie Bly's experiences in late 19th-century Mexico, showcasing her unique perspective as a pioneering journalist. Through her observations, Bly captures the culture, social issues, and daily life of the Mexican people, providing readers with an engaging blend of personal narrative and social commentary. Her adventurous spirit and keen insights make this work a significant contribution to travel literature of the era.
Nellie Bly, an innovative American journalist, gained fame for her groundbreaking 72-day journey around the world, inspired by Jules Verne's Phileas Fogg. She also conducted a daring undercover investigation into a mental institution, revealing harsh realities and advocating for reform. Bly's work not only showcased her adventurous spirit but also established her as a pioneer of investigative journalism, paving the way for future reporters to uncover hidden truths and challenge societal norms.
Set in 1887, the narrative follows Nellie Bly as she takes on a daring assignment from the New York World. Instead of writing about the immigrant experience, she opts to investigate a notorious mental hospital by feigning mental illness to gain entry. Her courageous decision reveals the harsh realities faced by patients and highlights her groundbreaking role in journalism, establishing her as a pioneering female reporter who challenged societal norms and fought for the voiceless.
Highlighting the pioneering spirit of Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, this collection showcases her most impactful journalistic pieces, including the renowned exposé "Ten Days in a Mad-House." First published between 1887 and 1890, it reflects her fearless approach to investigative journalism and sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the field during that era. This anthology not only celebrates her contributions but also serves as a testament to the power of journalism in advocating for social change.