Shipwreck Of The Whaleship Essex
Summary
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Shipwreck Of The Whaleship Essex by Owen Chase
On 20 November 1820, just south of the equator, the whaling ship Essex, out of Nantucket, spotted a 'shoal' of sperm whales. It was a fine clear day, about eight in the morning. Two whaling boats, lightly built for rowing speed, were lowered from the Essex. The crew pursued and harpooned tree of the whales, whereupon the largest of them - some 85 feet long - rammed the Essex twice in ten minutes and 'stove in her bows'. This remarkable incident was followed by an epic three-month journey in open boats across storm-tossed seas - a feat of navigation and survival that rivals those of Shackleton and Bligh. Only eight men survived, sustained by eating six of those who died. Twenty-three-year-old Owen Chase was first mate of the Essex. His narrative of these events makes compulsive reading. This edition also includes memoirs by another crew member and by ship's captain, as well as a facsimile of Herman Melville's notes on Chase's account. Capturing all the elements of an ancient and powerful tragedy, this book is a thrilling tale of survival - as well as a frightful illustration of man's darkest impulses.
The effect is kaleidoscopicA vivid portrait emerges of the shipwrecked men's privatations and fundamental moral dilemma: literally to eat or be eaten -- Lawrence Norfolk
Chase's book still has an almost Biblical power * Mail on Sunday *
An incredibly vivid journal of survival * Scotsman *
The reading of this wondrous story...had a surprising effect on me -- Herman Melville
When I found myself popping the notes I attach to potential quotes to virtually every page, I realised I might as well just deliver a rousing injunction to read the book for yourselves -- Christina Hardyment * Independent *
Chase's book still has an almost Biblical power * Mail on Sunday *
An incredibly vivid journal of survival * Scotsman *
The reading of this wondrous story...had a surprising effect on me -- Herman Melville
When I found myself popping the notes I attach to potential quotes to virtually every page, I realised I might as well just deliver a rousing injunction to read the book for yourselves -- Christina Hardyment * Independent *
Owen Chase (1797-1869) was First Mate of the whaling ship Essex, which was struck and sunk by a sperm whale on November 20, 1820.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780712667418 |
| ISBN 10 | 0712667415 |
| Title | Shipwreck Of The Whaleship Essex |
| Author | Owen Chase |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Vintage Publishing |
| Year published | 2000-04-06 |
| Number of pages | 176 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |