Fearless: Gutsy Gals of a Bygone Era

Did you know that the first and only woman to ever walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope was Italian Maria Spelterini in 1876? Or that the first American to earn an international pilot's license was Bessie Coleman, an African American woman, in 1921? And what about the first Hollywood stunt woman, Helen Gibson, who got her start in 1914 stunt doubling on the series "The Hazards of Helen"? Or Marie Marvingt, the Frenchwoman who, in 1909, became the first woman to pilot a hot-air balloon across the English Channel? And who could forget that daredevil race car driver, Joan Newton Cuneo, who, in 1909, blazed past so many male racers that the industry banned women from racing altogether?

Unfortunately, most of us have forgotten her...and all the rest of them. But it doesn't have to be that way. These are the true stories of women who made history 100 years ago, women who bucked the system and pursued their dreams, sometimes against ferocious odds, risking life and limb. They were all fearless. But they were all unique as well, bringing their talents and passions to a wide variety of pursuits. All of these women deserve to be remembered for their guts, their glory and their historical significance. Not to mention that their lives were simply fascinating.

Robin C. Johnson has written an informative, entertaining and poignant book about 45 of the most remarkable women in history, with over 150 period illustrations and photos that make the stories spring to life.