The Revels Book of Chanteys and Sea Songs - Softcover

John Langstaff; George Emlen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0964083698 ISBN 13: 9780964083691

Publisher: Revels Publications, 2006

Synopsis

The years 1816 to 1860 were an extraordinary period in maritime history - when the great clipper ships were at the height of their renown, and whaling was dominated by Nantucket and New Bedford. These sleek "greyhounds of the sea" and sturdy whale ships, with their great expanse of heavy canvas sails, often battled the fierce storms, high waves, driving snow and ice-encrusted rigging for several years before returning home. It took many hands and strong backs to handle the sails, pump the bilges, and heave up the heavy anchors. The advantage of heaving and hauling in unison was effected by a communal chant-like song of call-and-response. The chantey was the means of holding the work together.

About this edition

• Publisher: Revels Publications
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0964083698
• ISBN 13: 9780964083691
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 158