Villanova Professor Edits Book On Groundbreaking Female Journalist
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- This is the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of America's ground-breaking female journalists. Now, the writings of Nellie Bly have been consolidated into one book.
The book, Nellie Bly: Around the World in 72 Days And Other Writings, was edited by Jean Marie Lutes, an associate English professor at Villanova. Lutes says Nellie Bly was groundbreaking in many ways, even though many people at the time laughed at her aspirations.
"She lived in a world where women were told they could not be employed in really significant positions, and in spite of that, she believed what she thought about and what she did and what she experienced were inherently valuable, and she always believed that she had a story that was worth telling," Lutes explains.
Lutes believes these stories appeal to young women, even today, because they are about following your dream, despite obstacles in your way.