In the Heart of the Sea/John

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
THE TRAGEDY OF THE WHALESHIP ESSEX, a 302 page book by Nathaniel Philbrick, was published in 2000 by the Penguin Group. It is a non-fiction work that centers around the time period of July 1819 through August 1821, with the background giving pertinent knowledge to enable one to follow the story, and the  followup of the ordeal to flesh-out the ramifications of this very human tragedy. 

The narrative delves into the history of the hardy people of Nantucket Island and their relationship with the normally placid whale, from the island's inauspicious beginnings into contemporary history. During the period that involves the main story, the island, located 24 miles off southern New England's coast, was the whaling capital of the world. The hardships described in making a living by going to sea portend the ordeal the shipwrecked sailors went through after an 80 foot sperm whale purposefully rammed the 87 foot, 238 ton displacement whaleship and subsequently sunk it. How eight of the crew out of twenty in their three 25 foot whaleboats used as lifeboats survived their arduous journey of 4,500 miles in the Pacific Ocean is the heart of the book. 

Mr. Philbrick, in writing this detailed account, conducted prodigious research into not only whaling and its relationship to that era, but also the effects - short term and long - of starvation, exposure to harsh elements, and the psychology of enduring their incredibly difficult decisions during their voyage. He did an excellent job of teaching the reader about the history of Nantucket and life at sea in the 19th century, and relating what was under the most grueling of circumstances that which was accepted then for survival. And even now. 

Drawn designs and diagrams, detailed maps, and pertinent photographs were included to assist readers in the relating of actions and elements, people and sea life, ships and work. The fact that some made it through this crucible is a testamate to their excellent seamanship, ability to work together, and their fortitude to prevail even with bad decisions, horrendous weather conditions, and human nature. This book is highly recommended for anyone not faint of heart. Or even for them if they want to toughen-up.