Isabella L. Bird – författare

''There never was anybody who had adventures as well as Miss Bird'' SPECTATOR''Venture deep into the Colorado wilderness, and you will find her long-lasting legacy in the community of people choosing to live a life without limits'' RUBY WAX, GUARDIAN ''This book is an unputdownable record of a truly astounding journey'' DERVLA MURPHY, IRISH TIMESBorn in 1831, Isabella, daughter of a clergyman, set off alone to the Antipodes in 1872 ''in search of health'' and found she had embarked on a life of adventurous travel. A year later she took a solo trip from San Francisco to the Rocky Mountains. ''I dreamt of bears so vividly I woke with a furry death-hug at the my throat, but feeling quite refreshed.'' The intrepid journeys of the indefatigable Miss Bird are relayed here in the delightful letters she wrote to her sister. They tell of ''truly grand'' isolated wilderness and abundant wildlife, of small remote townships of her encounters with rattlesnakes, wolves and grizzly bears and her reactions to the volatile passions of the miners and pioneer settlers.

"Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" by Isabella L. Bird is a captivating travelogue that takes readers on a remarkable journey through 19th-century Japan. Written in the form of letters to her sister, Bird recounts her intrepid travels from Tokyo to Hokkaido in 1878, a time when Japan was just opening its doors to the Western world.

At the age of 46, Bird, accompanied by her Japanese interpreter Ito, explores regions seldom seen by Westerners. Her vivid descriptions bring to life the intricacies of Japanese houses, clothing, customs, and the breathtaking natural environment during the early years of the Meiji Restoration. The book offers a unique perspective on the cultural and societal changes occurring in Japan at that time. Bird also provides an in-depth look at the Ainu people, highlighting her experiences and observations of their culture. Furthermore, the book does not shy away from addressing the poverty she witnessed outside the major cities.

"Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" is not just a travel narrative; it''s a historical document that offers a window into a world on the cusp of modernization.