The Loss of the Ship Essex, Sunk by a Whale: First-Person Accounts (Penguin Classics)

If you like the book " In The Heart of the Sea " you should get this book. It has several first hand accounts of what happened on the Whaleship Essex. Their accounts do not all match up, so you have to guess who's telling the truth. Very interesting stuff to read. Most of it is written in " old English" so it can be cumbersome to get through sometimes. I have several books on the Essex. This is one of the best.

This a terrific collection of personal accounts gathered together for the first time in one volume. For well over a century Owen Chase's story of the sinking of the whaleship Essex has been the only firsthand documented account. Now side by side with Chase's tale is fellow shipmate Thomas Nickerson's account of the sinking and trial of the Essex crew lost at sea. As is to be expected, the style of the period makes itself felt throughout via word choice, spelling, etc. but more so in Mr. Chase's recounting. The real gem in this volume is Nickerson's retelling of the tale from his point of view, in spite of the strange twists of phrase his warmth and humor show through. If you enjoyed Philbrick's "In the Heart of the Sea" and want to delve a little deeper and explore some of his resources this is the perfect place to start.

A never put down description of Nantucket men surviving the most horrible of sails across the pacific. Being a boater myself only put me inside the book and the author's beautiful prose put me inside the boats....wonderful writing and riviting descriptions...the whale may have won at first but these men showed the world what limits the human soul can endure.......

we are happy

Great condition, great packaging, everything delivered as promised.Would highly recommend.

History of the Essex is must reading for fans of Moby Dick. It's derivative and necessary. After reading this and Moby Dick, try reading Sana Jeter Naslund's Ahab's Wife. Once you're done with these three books, you'll probably want to take a break from whaling for awhile. Enjoy!

Read "In the Heart of the Sea" some years ago, and several of Philbrick's other books. Recommend it before this book, but for anyone who loved "...Heart" this is a well edited collection of the original references.

Great read - what really happened to the Essex - grist for Melville's mill & "the Heart of the Sea"

Really informative read for anyone interested in the origins of Moby Dick. Horrific story of survival. told first hand by survivors.

What a fantastic read! Excellent book. Recommend this to anyone who saw the film Moby Dick. The true story of The Essex whaling ship is streets ahead of the film.

good book

Mehrere Sichtweisen dessen, was vielleicht eine der Inspirationen für Moby Dick war. Sprache ist zeitgemäß und nicht zu schwer. Klare Empfehlung für "Nachforscher" zum Film.

Surprisingly this was a book that I couldn’t put down. If you’re a fan of Moby Dick it’s a must-read.