The book that young Gillian Darmody reads from is "Round the World with Nellie Bly", by Elizabeth Jane Cochran (writing under her pseudonym). The book details Bly's solo 72 day journey around the world, having with her only a single dress, overcoat, a change of underwear and some £200. She completed the journey and it brought her world fame and admiration. This is also the only book young Gillian owns, and may help to shine some light on why when we first meet her, she displays a very fierce, independent attitude.
The episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period Program (One Hour or More).
Penultimate episode of the series.