This work investigates the historical contribution of women to the genre of travel writing across sixteen centuries. Author Jane Robinson, a scholar of travel literature, compiles an extensive bibliography and biographical survey of over three hundred and fifty British and American women who documented their global experiences. By analyzing nearly one thousand individual texts, the book argues that these women created a distinct and significant body of literature that reflects diverse motivations, from religious mission to scientific exploration.

Scholars and readers frequently cite this book as a foundational reference for those interested in the history of women's travel writing. Experts highlight the text for its impressive breadth and its utility as a starting point for further academic research into the genre.