Born in Paris in 1893, the wandering life of Freya Stark's childhood left her 'precocious and pretty tough'. Self - disciplined, courageous yet flamboyant and unorthodox, she became a great explorer, a travel writer, geographer, historian and archaeologist. Freya Stark remained fearlessly independent throughout her life. Despite her high regard for tradition and Empire, as an explorer, she was unconventional - always travelling alone, without money or support. Travel remained her greatest love and her solace throughout constant struggles with ill health, failed marriage and loneliness.