Read more
Zusatztext Tim Severin is one of the last of the old-style explorers ... His deeds speak to us of the purity of achievement in an age where experience has become blunted by comfort and complacency Informationen zum Autor Tim Severin is a renowned adventurer and writer! who has specialised in re-creating voyages of exploration in primitive vessels. He holds the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society and the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. * A masterful blend of travel, history, culture and adventure which explores one of the ocean's enduring myths Zusammenfassung Herman Melville's novel MOBY DICK immortalised the concept of a battling white sperm whale! but did such a creature really exist? Acclaimed explorer and writer Tim Severin travelled to the islands of the Pacific to find out. From Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas archipelago to Pamilacan and Tonga! Severin compares myth with reality in a fascinating journey of discovery. Along the way he investigates the real extent of Melville's whaling experience! and unearths other potential sources for his famous story; encounters the extraordinary whale-jumpers! who even now make their living by leaping on the backs of whales to ram home their spears; and observes a retired harpooner re-enact the curious ballet of a kill -- transporting himself to his youth in the process! like a shaman from a forgotten age. Superb travel writing combined with personal and historical anecdote make this a hugely enjoyable and enlightening exploration of one of the ocean's enduring myths.
