Overview

Scurvy. Amputation. Tropical disease. Irritable captains. Mutinous crews. Such were the trials facing the men who shipped out as doctors on South Seas whalers in the early nineteenth century. Using diaries, journals and correspondence the author tells a fascinating story of remarkable men undergoing unbelievable hardships. In this lively and often darkly humorous tale we learn what type of person would sign on for a dangerous three year voyage across the globe, what types of medicines and surgical tools were available and what sort of people they encountered on remote South Seas islands.

Full Product Details

9780415924528

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Reviews

'Killing whales is sometimes attended with bad accidents.' Dr. William Dalton, surgeon of the Phoenix 'Joan Druett's latest work lives up to her reputation as one of our finest chroniclers of maritime lore.' - Roy Porter, Wellcome Institute -

This book is literally a page-turner - I could not put it down - filled with new windows on history, technology and personal experience. It can be highly recommended. -- John Townley, International Journal of Maritime History ...You definitely do want to read the author's colorful stories. -- The Dallas Morning News Those who enjoyed Patrick O'Brian's eye for historical detail will delight in Druett. -- Publisher's Weekly Druett offers us a vivid sense of shipboard life in her descriptions of medicines, surgical tools, the tumult of a whale hunt and treatment of such common ailments as dysentery, dropsy, syphilis, scurvy and insanity. -- TheArizona Republic Joan Druett's latest work lives up to her reputation as one of our foremost chroniclers of maritime lore. -- Roy Porter, author of The Greatest Benefit to Mankind A wonderfully effective therapy for anyone interested in the story of the sea...Invigorating. -- Tim Severin, author of In Search of Moby Dick and The Brendan Voyage Filled with accounts of the drama and tedium of whaling, exciting battles with whales, and the occasional gruesome medical event, the book should please sailing buffs, history buffs, and fans of the well-told, lifely story. -- William Beatty, Booklist

This book is literally a page-turner - I could not put it down - filled with new windows on history, technology and personal experience. It can be highly recommended. -- John Townley, International Journal of Maritime History ...You definitely do want to read the author's colorful stories. -- The Dallas Morning News Those who enjoyed Patrick O'Brian's eye for historical detail will delight in Druett. -- Publisher's Weekly Druett offers us a vivid sense of shipboard life in her descriptions of medicines, surgical tools, the tumult of a whale hunt and treatment of such common ailments as dysentery, dropsy, syphilis, scurvy and insanity. -- The Arizona Republic Joan Druett's latest work lives up to her reputation as one of our foremost chroniclers of maritime lore. -- Roy Porter, author of The Greatest Benefit to Mankind A wonderfully effective therapy for anyone interested in the story of the sea...Invigorating. -- Tim Severin, author of In Search of Moby Dick and The Brendan Voyage Filled with accounts of the drama and tedium of whaling, exciting battles with whales, and the occasional gruesome medical event, the book should please sailing buffs, history buffs, and fans of the well-told, lifely story. -- William Beatty, Booklist

Author Information

Joan Druett is the author ofShe Captains: Heroines and Hellions of the Sea (2000) andHen Frigates: Wives of Merchant Captains Under Sail (1998). She lives in Wellington, New Zealand.

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