A biography of Jane Franklin (1791?1875), born Jane Griffin. Well educated, Jane travelled in Europe as a young woman. Following her marriage to Sir John Franklin in 1828, Jane continued to travel alone and with companions around the Mediterranean. In 1836 John Franklin was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) and Jane accompanied him there travelling widely across Australia and becoming involved in life in the colony. Recalled at the end of 1843, John Franklin was then appointed to lead an expedition to find the North-West passage. Departing in 1845, Franklin disappeared and Jane then devoted herself to finding out what had happened to the expedition, sponsoring seven expeditions to find him and supporting many others. Faced with Dr John Rae's evidence of cannibalism, she used her influence to challenge the evidence and maintain her husband's reputation as a polar hero, in the process destroying Rae's reputation. She continued to travel widely until her death at the age of 84. The text is supported by photographs, a bibliography and notes.