Wanderlust: The Amazing Ida Pfeiffer, the First Female Tourist

Wanderlust is the true story of Ida Pfeiffer (1797–1858), one of the most remarkable female travellers who ever lived. It is the story of a stubborn tomboy, of lovers torn apart, and a miserable housewife who decides to follow her dreams despite the strong disapproval of society. At a time when it was considered utterly impossible, Pfeiffer set off, alone, to travel the world. She displayed incredible courage, endurance and perseverance. Along the way she survived storms at sea, parched deserts, plague, malaria, drowning, earthquakes, robbers, murderers, headhunters and cannibals. She became the first woman to circle the globe alone, and then the first to do so twice and she was the first budget traveller to boot. As a result of her incredible exploits and her bestselling travel books, Pfeiffer became one of the most famous women in the world. Hers is a tale that culminates in spies, intrigue, a botched revolution and a remarkable career cut tragically short by one voyage too many. 

"a compelling introduction to the life and work of a true, if largely forgotten, trailblazer"
- South China Morning Post

"John van Wyhe’s approach to Ida Pfeiffer’s life and travels is one of which she would have heartily approved. When it’s serious, it’s serious, but van Wyhe captures the wonderful spirit and humor of his subject, giving readers a believable and memorable portrait of a very remarkable woman."
- John Butler, Asian Review of Books

John van Wyhe is a historian of science and one of the world's leading experts on Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. He is a senior lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences and a Fellow of Tembusu College, National University of Singapore.