In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
by Nathaniel Philbrick
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Book Summary Information
Author: Nathaniel PhilbrickEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2000-05-08
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Viking Adult
Book Reviews of In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Book Review: Captivating Story of Tragedy and Survival
Summary: 5 Stars
Nathaniel Philbrick's history of the whaleship Essex builds on First mate Owen Chase's account of the tragedy; he adds the perspective of cabin boy Thomas Nickerson, written over 50 years after the actual events. Few sources are available, and scholarship-wise, this story is only beginning to be told. To contradict the author's statement, this is an amazing adventure story, made more astounding because its true. Philbrick also includes plenty of background to aid in comprehension by modern readers with no prior knowledge of whaling, especially the eccentricities of early 19th century Nantucket. This author seems well-qualified in this regard. This book is an informative and entertaining blend of the tragedy of the Essex, background, possible motivating factors, and subsequent developments.
It is a curious footnote to history that this story was well-known during the 19th century but almost forgotten today, much like the history of the whaling industry and sea voyages in general. No embellishment nor hindsight moralizing is necessary, nor does Philbrick force any. He is a tactful author, and the facts as much as we know them are more than enough to provide a thrilling tale. This is the way that history should be written; its an absorbing read, framed in the context of historical development. It is neither too difficult for a novice, nor too elementary for the well-versed.
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