Thar She Blows: American Whaling in the Nineteenth Century (People's History)

Currie, Stephen

ISBN 10: 0822506467 ISBN 13: 9780822506461

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 2001

Synopsis

Describes the whaling industry and its significance in America during the nineteenth century, and discusses crew members, working conditions, life for family members left ashore and those on board, and the end of whaling.

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Reviews

Grade 6 & Up--A visually appealing, highly informative book. The 19th-century myths that promised high adventure are dispelled and the sad truth about the industry is revealed. Currie describes the grim reality, from the tedious hours aboard ship waiting to spot a whale to the homesickness that so many of the men endured away from their wives and children, sometimes for years. Through the use of diaries and letters, readers are given a firsthand look at what whalers experienced, including seasickness, bad weather, and ill health as a result of poor diet. Currie graphically describes the chase, as well as the killing and dismembering of the animals. Black-and-white archival photographs and reproductions support the text. Readers who are interested in whaling or are writing reports on the subject will find this authoritative book useful.
Jessica Snow, Boston Public Library
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 6-9. Whether they signed on for money, adventure, or to avoid the law, the men who served aboard whaling ships often got more than they bargained for. Voyages sometimes lasted several years, and wages were usually pitiful. One sailor made only six-and-a-half cents after spending five months at sea. Details such as these, which Currie often quotes directly from diaries, letters, and newspaper stories of the day, raise this volume in the People's History series a notch above standard series fare. Currie's coverage is concise and thorough (though he focuses mostly on New England whaling) as he explores aspects of the industry, from living conditions and discipline aboard ship to racial diversity and the impact of whaling life on families. Although Jim Murphy's Gone a-Whaling (1998) has a stronger narrative and gives an in-depth look at modern-day whale hunting, Currie's capably handled treatment will be a helpful additional resource. Illustrated with sepia-tone photos and engravings; a glossary and a list of further readings are appended. Randy Meyer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0822506467
• ISBN 13: 9780822506461
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 96