Between the 17th and 19th centuries, a motley band of women defied gender conventions, enduring exotic diseases, plagues of scorpions, and other life-threatening situations—all in the name of adventure. The frequent target of Russian thieves, Mademoiselle Jacquemart began sleeping with a brace of pistols after one attempt on her life left her with a fractured skull. Lady Ann Fanshawe disguised herself as a cabin boy to confront a band of Spanish pirates. Isabella Bird toured Japan by horseback despite a severe back affliction. And there were many more, some famous, others whose tales and fates have faded into the obscurer corners of history. NO PLACE FOR A LADY profiles adventurous women who sacrificed personal comfort and respectability to pursue experiences traditionally open only to men. Filled with fascinating portraits, historical maps, and intricate drawings, NO PLACE FOR A LADY is at once a beautifully illustrated exploration of early travel and a spirited celebration! of the women HODGSON is a book designer and packager turned writer. Author of numerous books, including The Sensualist, In the Arms of Morpheus, and Opium: A Portrait of the Heavenly Demon, Hodgson makes her home in Vancouver, British Columbia.who dared to redefine the proper place for a lady.