The Wreck of the Whaleship Essex by Owen Chase, First Mate

 

This accounting of the sinking whale ship Essex in 1820 in the Pacific. This book is the first hand account of First Mate Owen Chases experience. Twenty crew members were left stranded on three boats after a sperm whale sunk their ship. They then fought the sun, storms, starvation, dehydration until the few survivors that remained were rescued. The accounting was the inspiration for the Herman Melville's classic novel "Moby Dick".

 It's interesting read for those who have  a passion for maritime lore and New England history. It also touches upon the whaling history in Nantucket and a little bit of New Bedford, Massachusetts where this industry reigned. Details are also given of whaling in general in that time period. I did enjoy reading it and highly recommend it.