On November 14, 1889, two young female journalists raced against one another, determined to outdo Jules Verne's fictional hero and circle the globe in less than 80 days. The dramatic race that ensued would span 28,000 miles, captivate the nation, and change both competitors' lives forever.

A free American girl -- The newspaper gods of Gotham -- The secret cupboard -- "How quick can a woman go around the world?" -- "I think I can beat Phileas Fogg's,record" -- Living by railroad time -- A map of the world -- "Et ego in Arcadia" -- Baksheesh -- An English market town in China -- "The guessing match has begun in beautiful earnest" -- The other woman is going to win -- The Temple of the Dead -- The mysterious travel agent -- The special train -- "From Jersey to Jersey is around the world" -- Father Time outdone.