Description

Title: In The Heart Of The Sea: The Tragedy Of The Whaleship Essex
Author/Publisher: Nathaniel Philbrick (Viking)
Publication Year: 2000
Format: Illustrated Trade Paperback

ISBN: 0002572125. In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex is a historical non-fiction book by Nathaniel Philbrick, published in 2000. This First Edition Illustrated trade paperback is the true story of the Essex (1820), a whaling ship sunk by a sperm whale, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. It is a gripping work of Maritime History.

Synopsis

Nathaniel Philbrick's critically acclaimed historical non-fiction work, 'In The Heart Of The Sea', meticulously reconstructs one of the most harrowing true stories in maritime history. This gripping account delves into the catastrophic events that befell the Nantucket whaleship Essex in 1820, an ordeal that would forever be etched into the annals of American seafaring.

Presented as a First Edition, this book unearths the full, unvarnished truth behind the ship's demise and the subsequent, unimaginable struggle for survival of its crew. It provides a profound insight into the human spirit pushed to its absolute limits amidst the vast, unforgiving expanse of the Pacific Ocean, establishing itself as a pivotal piece of American history.

• The Whaleship Essex Disaster: This work meticulously recounts the harrowing true story of the Nantucket whaleship Essex, which was rammed and sunk by an enraged sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean in 1820, leaving its crew stranded thousands of miles from land.
• An Epic of Survival: Following the sinking, the narrative delves into the extraordinary and ultimately tragic ordeal of the crew as they faced starvation, exposure, and desperate choices while adrift in small open boats for months.
• Historical Context of Whaling: Philbrick provides a richly detailed backdrop of the 19th-century whaling industry, offering insights into the daily lives, dangers, and societal importance of these perilous voyages across the globe.
• Melville's Inspiration: The book explores how the remarkable and widely publicised events surrounding the Essex profoundly influenced Herman Melville in his creation of the iconic American novel, 'Moby-Dick', shaping its themes of man versus nature.

This First Edition, an illustrated trade paperback, offers a compelling piece of American maritime history. Its status as an inscribed copy further enhances its appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of historical non-fiction, making it a distinctive addition to any library.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications