About this item
The dramatic story of the four courageous female swimmers who captivated the world in the summer of 1926. Despite the tensions of a world still recovering from World War I, during the summer of 1926, the story that enthralled the public revolved around four young American swimmers—Gertrude Ederle, Mille Gade, Lillian Cannon, and Clarabelle Barrett—who battled the weather, each other, and considerable odds to become the first woman to conquer the brutal waters of the English Channel. The popular East Coast tabloids from New York to Boston engaged in rivalries nearly as competitive as the swimmers themselves; each backed a favorite and made certain their girl—in bathing attire—was plastered across their daily editions.
About the Author
Gavin Mortimer, 38, is an award-winning author, whose narrative non-fiction books have received rapturous reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. His first book, Ernest Shackleton, was published in 1999 and six more have followed, including The Great Swim, which was adjudged the 2009 Book of the Year by the Women's Sport Foundation of America. In addition, the Sunday Times named the Great Swim one of its best reads of 2008. His latest book, Chasing Icarus, was published in the US by Walker Bloomsbury in May, and has already received excellent reviews with the Dallas Morning News describing it as 'a wonderful, absorbing story'. Away from his non-fiction titles, Gavin has written a dozen books for children and contributed articles to publications such as BBC History Magazine, Esquire and the Observer. For further details, visit his website: www.gavinmortimer.com
