Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-Ship Essex

by Owen Chase

Overview

On November 20, 1820, Owen Chase was the First Mate of the Whale-Ship "Essex" when it was struck by an enraged Sperm Whale and sunk, stranding the crew in tiny whale-boats 2000 miles away from land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Of the 21 men who entered the 3 flimsy whale-boats, only 8 ultimately survived to be rescued. A harrowing journey lasting 90 days awaited these crewmen, involving storms, shark-attacks, terrible privation, and in the last resort cannibalism.

On his return from the journey in 1821 Owen Chase wrote this vivid account of his experiences, which in turn inspired Herman Melville to write the classic novel "Moby Dick".

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161429907
Publisher:	UnderPress Books
Publication date:	06/04/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	121 KB

About the Author

Owen Chase (October 7, 1797 – March 7, 1869) was first mate of the whaler Essex, which a sperm whale rammed and sank on 20 November 1820. Chase wrote about the incident in Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-Ship Essex. This book, published in 1821, would inspire Herman Melville to write Moby Dick.