Synopses & Reviews
Discover the amazing true story behind the inspiration for Herman Melvilles Moby Dick and the feature film Heart of the Sea
A tragic yet riveting narration of life and death and man against the elements, this is an extreme account of shipwreck survival. On the morning of November 20, 1820, in the Pacific Ocean 2,000 miles from the coast of South America, an enraged sperm whale rammed the Nantucket whaleship Essex. As the boat began to sink, her crew of 20, including first mate Owen Chase, grabbed what little they could before piling into frail boats and taking to the open seas. So began their four-month ordeal and struggle for survival. This is a bleak story, only eight men survived having endured starvation and dehydration, giving in to cannibalism, murder, and insanity. Owen Chase recorded the extraordinary account in his autobiography, originally published in 1821.
Review
"Completely engrossing. . . If you love a good adventure story or a good survival story or just a good story, this is it." –The Butler Did It!
About the Author
Owen Chase (1797-1869) was born in Nantucket. First Mate on board the Essex, he was rescued from its wreckage on February 18, 1821. He was later appointed Captain of the Carroll in 1832 and was to undertake two trips to the South Pacific before his career came to an end.