capnwilliam Posted February 24, 2004 Posted February 24, 2004 Any recommendations on the best book that discusses daily life at sea during the great age of sail? Capt. William "The fight's not over while there's a shot in the locker!"
JoshuaRed Posted February 24, 2004 Posted February 24, 2004 During the Age of Sail, you'd want to read any and all of Patrick O'Brian's books about Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. They may be fiction, but they are packed with detail and lots of fun. Though it comes well after the Napoleonic era, Moby Dick is not only the most immersive sea story you'll ever read, but IMO is the finest novel I've ever read. Period. If you want something more appropriate to the age of buccaneers, you can't go wrong with The Buccaneers of America by Basil Ringrose. This is a direct account of Morgan's raids, written by someone who was actually there. (Although his hate for Morgan lends a biased slant) Happy Reading!
Connecticut Ben Posted February 24, 2004 Posted February 24, 2004 Dana's Two Years Before the Mast is definitely required reading. That book was so cool, I carried it around in my hip pocket, just to stay close to it! Ahhhh yeah, and so other people would know I was a-readin' it! The O'Brian books are bully, also Melville's, "Billy Budd." Cheers, Ct Ben
Wartooth Posted February 24, 2004 Posted February 24, 2004 Two Years... is definitely a must read. Another one I would add is The Age Of Fighting Sail by CS Forester (yes, of Hornblower fame). It's a detailed historical study of the naval battles during the war of 1812. A really good read. Wartooth
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