A fascinating biography of the 19th (and very early 20th) century English woman traveler, indefatigable and energetic. Kaye's biography shows what Isabella really thought of the religious beliefs she encountered that were different from her own, but her own works faithfully described them without much personal judgement. She endured much hardship on her travels, but while reading the book, I kept thinking that the animals -- horse, mule, etc. -- often endured as much or more than she did! I also wish that Kaye had included maps that traced her travels: one from her own time, and one modern map since some of the political geography has of course changed. But on the whole, this book is well worth the read. ( )