Your list gives me ideas for future reading since I’ve only read Patrick O’Brian and HMS Ulysses,all great books. Horatio Hornblower series is my all times favorite but right now I’m loving the entire Ramage series by Dudley Pope. It is super interesting, well written and fun. Thanks for suggesting your number 1, certainly will be looking for that!
Hi Linda, well I hope you enjoy it if you find it. (It's called To The Edge Of The World in the US for some reason). I wish I had the time to read like I did when I was younger. I couldn't tackle a series like those you mentioned right now, but hopefully I will at some point.
I KNEW Douglas Reeman would be featured on here! I knew it! I would have liked "Wreck of the Mary Deare" featured somewhere in this video, but it's OK. Anyway thank you v much. I've been looking for a "High Seas" adventure list for awhile..
Ha. That's why I did it. There didn't seem to be one. Kind of surprised with a response from a 'fashion earrings' channel. But pleased too, thanks for the feedback.
Honorable mention: The Nantucket Series by S.M. Stirling. A good portion of the novels occur on land, but they include a number of nautical adventures as well. The books also light my fires because they involve time travel to the Bronze Age and get involved in the Trojan War later on. I'll have to find the Harry Thompson novel.
Great video and a nice combination of stuff I'm familiar with and new things I get to explore now! Also I think your approach of "couldn't find a youtube video on it so I made one myself" is pretty inspiring, haha.
I agree here are several books I wouldn't find on my own, especially the Harry Thompson. Be looking for it. Patrick O'Brian of course I know of but have yet to read. No doubt it's high time I read at least The Master&Commander and may well sooner than later. I suspect there is a wealth of information in his work. Thank you for backing up my reading titles so now I can keep an eye out for the Higgins and MacClean as well, which should be easy enough to find.
RLS's Treasure Island is reference point for depiction of pirates; their attire, their customs, their ballads, .... My fav marine/nautical novel of all time.
Back again. I just finished Sand Pebbles. Enjoyed it very much! I'm working my way through those on your list that I haven't already read: Storm Warning, With Blood and Iron, HMS Ulysses, Gone To Sea In A Bucket, and English Passengers await!
Great Julie. I'm very glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the rest. Could I make a suggestion regarding Douglas Reeman? Rendezvous South Atlantic is probably better than With Blood And Iron, I just couldn't find my copy when making the video.
Read a lot of Douglas reeman, in fact a lot of Alexander Kent first, and loved it all. Am intrigued to hear of his story of a u boat captain, I must find it. Enjoyed the list and will certainly read some more of the books you mentioned.
Hi Sean, just checking back in to let you know I just finished This Thing of Darkness and I loved it! I don't think I would have found it on my own. Thank you!
Good call, however it's not a novel. Thanks for the idea though, might do a Top 10 non-fiction nautical book list. Starting to think about it already...
Excellent.... Other Conrads would be up there, for me, and the William Golding Rites of Passage trilogy for sure. Moby Dick is sublime and on a slightly other deck. O'Brian has been the surprise read of my recent years - turns most historical fiction writers into shallow scrubs.
You are right internet is mostly dominated by Fantasy these days. I'm myself a historical fiction fan & I was thinking about reading Nautical Novels. The only Nautical Novel I have ever read is The Treasure Island & I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the list. I will definitely check them out.
Top ten nautical biographies would be a good video, I’ve read The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier and Iron Coffins by Herbert Werner recently and loved them but not sure where to go next.
According to the actor, Ben Crystal--son of linguist David Crystal--the accent in Treasure Island is accurate for pirates of the period, since many of them would have been Bristol sailors.
I have read it. Thanks Caleb. If I do a Nautical Non-fiction list it will be considered. Saw the movie too, felt it lacked emotional punch. The book was fascinating.
Hey Sean, I'd highly recommend the book 'Search for Paradise' by Vance Ferrell. It's about the story of the mutiny on the ship Bounty. As a bonus, this is a true story!
Have just seen your good read list. Will follow up with interest. Must admit I'm a great Patrick O'Brian fan. Also have Master & Commander on my bookshelf. Cheers.
@@sean_d Yeah, I know there have been made for TV movies of it at the least. I haven't seen any yet, but I think TH-cam has 1 or 2 of them available here.
HMS Ulysees is great. My favorite nautical novel is Carsten Jensen's "We, the Drowned" about 100 years in the history for the Danish seaport of Marstal and the sailors from the port from 1848 to the end of the second world war. I'm adding Sea Wolf to my want to read list.
Thanks Jim, you are the second person in a week to mention that book to me. I must make an effort to read it. Your channel looks interesting, I dont know that much about booktube, apart from Steve Donoghue, so your explanations will be helpful. Glad you liked the video. I must do some more on books.
@@sean_d Steve Donoghue led me to your channel. We, the Drowned was a Danish bestseller. BookTube is just a segment of TH-cam where people talk about books and bookish matters.
'English Passengers' is one of the best books I've ever read - it also has a very satisfying and funny ending! You might prefer 'Redburn' by Herman Melville instead of 'Moby Dick'. It is much more exciting and easier to read. I am currently reading 'The golden ocean' by Patrick O'Brien, one of his three other nautical books separate from the Aubrey - Maturin series.
Thanks for that. There's now a copy of Redburn on the way to me. Have The Golden Ocean but I haven't got around to reading it. Reckon I'll try another Alexander Fullerton next. Wish I'd discovered Blooding Of The Guns before I did this list. Thanks for checking out my channel and taking the time to comment.
@@sean_d "Top Gallant Gaff Boots!" Also when Redburn describes the taste of his coffee. Herman Melville had a great sense of humour! I've read it twice and I would not mind reading it a third time.
@@snarnok Redburn after a near collision: "No doubt, many ships that are never heard of after leaving port meet their fate in this way. It may be that sometimes two vessels coming together, jib-boom-and-jib-boom, with a sudden shock in the middle watch of the night, mutually destroy each other; and like fighting elks, sink down into the ocean, with their antlers locked in death". This is great stuff...tempting me to try Moby Dick again...
@@sean_d A beautiful similie! Redburn is very underrated compared with Moby Dick. I think that people should read Redburn first before reading Moby Dick. I've actually read Moby Dick twice.
Really enjoying Sea in a Bucket. Very difficult not to read it all at once. I'm sure it would be more significant if I weren't aviation through and through, but I still love a great submarine adventure.
@@davidwilburn6314 Delighted (and relieved). Keep an eye out I am just finishing something on naval aviation, should be uploaded in the next few days. Must carry on that series myself..
Hello Mr Sean. I've just begun reading Caine Mutiny last night from Herman Wouk. It was interesting to read that, just after writing, the novel didn't get very good traction in the beginning, but then slowly gained readership momentum. I am guessing you've certainly read it since you're so fond of maritime stuff.
@davidwilburn6314 Hi David, my father had a copy of it, but I never even attempted it. I'd be interested to know what you think. I am reading the Patrick O'Brian series at the moment, trying to read it in the proper order. I read another book in between each. Just finished The Surgeons Mate and tempted to try South By Java Head by Alistair MacLean. I do remember seeing the movie of The Caine Mutiny a long time ago, and funny enough, I am developing a taste for old B&W movies, film noir, Humphrey Bogart, etc. Let me know how the book goes.
@@sean_d Finished it up last night; a pretty quick read. I'd also seen the movie a fairly long time ago with very little recollection thereof. I'd previously read Wouk's big two on WWII, but that was some years ago, and my recollection of them both being good was part of the inspiration to try Caine. Wouk's writing style isn't as intellectually stimulating as some authors, but he obviously brings to bear his own substantial naval experience in creating a good dramatic work. Holy calzones, he captures the perilous encounter with being in the midst of a torrential typhoon aboard a smallish ship quite well! The seriousness of the whole adventure is also leavened with some rather funny sequences. All-in-all, a worthwhile read, but I doubt I'd be inclined to read it again.
Great presentation, definitely what I was looking for. Thank you so much. I'd love to hear more about nautical fiction if you ever get motivated to talk more about it. Subscribing too keep an eye out!
Than you Deniz. It's a tiny channel so your comment means a lot. I don't read enough to do regular videos on books, more on history, but I do reference relevant books at the end. However if I keep this up I will occasionally do more book videos, maybe on some odd memoirs I've picked up or top ten non-fiction books. Hard to tell, I'm still just finding my way on Yoitube. Thanks again. Sean
My favourite of all is American writer Dewey Lambden , starts in the American wars of independence through the Napoleonic wars and beyond , the story of the rise through the ranks of Alan Lewrie , great reading 😊
@charlestaylor8566 Thank you Charles. I have heard the name mentioned in a Patrick O'Brian Facebook group I am in. I hope to get around to him one day.
Hi Sean, at the end of the video you mentioned that Voyage by Sterling Hayden might nudge something off the list Did it? Would it be in the top ten? Thanks- Julie
Hi Julie. Yes, but I don't know what I'd replace... I enjoyed Voyage although it had flaws. He was aiming for a novel that was like a nautical version of The Grapes of Wrath, a big social commentary on the way sailors were being used and abused as well as a tale of the voyage and the various characters. To that end he introduces a few shore-based characters, the owners, a couple of union organisers and a politician, and maybe tries to do too much. On a few rare occasions he is a little crude with the sex and violence, in a way people were in the 70s when boundaries were being pushed (and it is only a couple of times). Writing about the voyage itself he is in his element. I remember once he referred to "the long horizon", where a landlubber would probably have said 'the far horizon' and I thought there's a guy who has been to sea and knows what it is to scan the horizon. Of course having read his autobiography since I know how much of a sailor he really was. I recommend that too, called Wanderer, his stories of his youth criss-crossing America with a conman stepfather and long-suffering mother develop into an adolescent sailor, young actor, soldier, successful actor while all the time trying to get back to sea. The whole thing is set against a voyage where he breaks a court order to sail to Tahiti with his kids. Its a memoir of a well-intentioned but flawed individual told with admirable honesty. In short both books are well worth reading and I am glad I took the time to do so. I would also put Redburn on the list, but you know about that.
@@sean_d Thank you Sean for the thoughtful response. That autobiography sounds very interesting as well. I know of Redburn but haven't read it. I think that will definitely have to go to the top of my TBR. I just finished We, The Drowned and very much enjoyed it. Have you read it?
@user-zx9yy8le4u Yes indeed, and the film is high up my Top Ten Nautical Films list. I possibly have a slight prejudice against the book because of his very harsh remarks in the novel about Irish neutrality.
can anyone help me i remember a book from when i was a kid about a man who accidentally ends up on a pirate ship with a female pirate captain named captain kid or kate or kade the ship i think was called the revenge ( there is a seen where she kills a cook for throwing trash overbourd )
"The Cain Mutiny" and "The Cruel Sea" didn't make it. "Voyage" has some of the most poetic descriptive passages of a clipper making way that I've ever read and I was anticipating that it might be on your list. I'll be hitting the library for some f the others when they let us inside again. "
Thanks Ed. You might find them second-hand on abebooks.com for less than the cost of getting to the library. The Caine Mutiny I read years ago and it didn't stick with me. The Cruel Sea was a contender but upstaged by HMS Ulysses in my humble opinion, other wise it would have been there, despite the very bitter comments about Ireland's neutrality in one passage.
This was a great video. Thank you so much. I'll be making This Thing of Darkness (titled To the Edge of the World in America-i have no idea why the publishers felt the need to change the title) my next read. I was wondering if you've read We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen and if so what you thought of it.
Thanks for the compliment Julie, you are very kind. Had no idea the title was changed in the US. I really hope you enjoy it (but I'm quite confident that you will.) Never heard of We The Drowned, I will check it out, looks interesting from a quick glance. Do look at the comments from Snarnok about Melville's Redburn, which I read on his recommendation and would be far up the list if I did it again.
Maybe they retitled it to confuse it (in the reading public's mind lol) with Laurence Bergreen's bestseller "Over the Edge of the World," which is all about Magellan, and is worthy of a rereading, imo.
@@sean_d my opinion of it was that it must have been written by a team of people, so much info contained in that volume. so I did a little research on the suthor, and he seems somewhat fraudulent, talking about the "space program" in one of his talks. when I reread it I intend to keep a sharper eye.
I did mention Moby Dick in the intro. Found it hard going, but thanks to one guy who left comments I went on to read Redburn and White Jacket by Melville and loved them.
Too bad you'd not read "Death Ship" by B. Traven (almost nobody has - he's the author of "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and did everything he could to escape public notice), a novel of two firemen shanghaied aboard a veritable hell-ship.
Well it would depend on what type of voyages, historical or modern, big vessel or small. Here's a list to start with waterbornemag.com/top-10-sailing-books/
@chernobylwendigo3994 I have read more Melville since, Redburn and White Jacket, prompted by comments here, both of which impressed me, and I am tempted to read it again.
Your list gives me ideas for future reading since I’ve only read Patrick O’Brian and HMS Ulysses,all great books. Horatio Hornblower series is my all times favorite but right now I’m loving the entire Ramage series by Dudley Pope. It is super interesting, well written and fun. Thanks for suggesting your number 1, certainly will be looking for that!
Hi Linda, well I hope you enjoy it if you find it. (It's called To The Edge Of The World in the US for some reason).
I wish I had the time to read like I did when I was younger. I couldn't tackle a series like those you mentioned right now, but hopefully I will at some point.
Thank YOU, I’ve been looking for a top 10 Nautical Novels!♥️
I KNEW Douglas Reeman would be featured on here! I knew it!
I would have liked "Wreck of the Mary Deare" featured somewhere in this video, but it's OK.
Anyway thank you v much. I've been looking for a "High Seas" adventure list for awhile..
Ha. That's why I did it. There didn't seem to be one. Kind of surprised with a response from a 'fashion earrings' channel. But pleased too, thanks for the feedback.
@@sean_d I'm not a jewellery related channel. I just happen to have a fetish for earrings, books and other random things. :-)
Honorable mention: The Nantucket Series by S.M. Stirling. A good portion of the novels occur on land, but they include a number of nautical adventures as well. The books also light my fires because they involve time travel to the Bronze Age and get involved in the Trojan War later on.
I'll have to find the Harry Thompson novel.
Great video and a nice combination of stuff I'm familiar with and new things I get to explore now!
Also I think your approach of "couldn't find a youtube video on it so I made one myself" is pretty inspiring, haha.
Appreciate the feedback. That's the way TH-cam was when it started. Thanks for the compliment on the video.
I agree here are several books I wouldn't find on my own, especially the Harry Thompson. Be looking for it.
Patrick O'Brian of course I know of but have yet to read. No doubt it's high time I read at least The Master&Commander and may well sooner than later. I suspect there is a wealth of information in his work.
Thank you for backing up my reading titles so now I can keep an eye out for the Higgins and MacClean as well, which should be easy enough to find.
Thanks for this list! The ones Ive read already are great. Great recommendations!
RLS's Treasure Island is reference point for depiction of pirates; their attire, their customs, their ballads, .... My fav marine/nautical novel of all time.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Mohammed. I have always loved that story.
Back again. I just finished Sand Pebbles. Enjoyed it very much! I'm working my way through those on your list that I haven't already read: Storm Warning, With Blood and Iron, HMS Ulysses, Gone To Sea In A Bucket, and English Passengers await!
Great Julie. I'm very glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the rest. Could I make a suggestion regarding Douglas Reeman? Rendezvous South Atlantic is probably better than With Blood And Iron, I just couldn't find my copy when making the video.
Read a lot of Douglas reeman, in fact a lot of Alexander Kent first, and loved it all. Am intrigued to hear of his story of a u boat captain, I must find it.
Enjoyed the list and will certainly read some more of the books you mentioned.
Thanks John. He wrote a couple of others from the German viewpoint, The Iron Pirate and The Last Raider (WW1).
@@sean_d HEY I HAVE A COUPLE OF THEM AND I'VE GOT SOME OF THEM ON AUDIBLE TOO
Hi Sean, just checking back in to let you know I just finished This Thing of Darkness and I loved it! I don't think I would have found it on my own. Thank you!
Ah Julie. You're very good. Thanks for letting me know. I'm delighted.
No 11 Kon Tiki Expedition, I very like this history, with respect from Moldova.
Thanks your review.
Good call, however it's not a novel. Thanks for the idea though, might do a Top 10 non-fiction nautical book list. Starting to think about it already...
thank you..for your narrative, and input..splendid!
Excellent.... Other Conrads would be up there, for me, and the William Golding Rites of Passage trilogy for sure. Moby Dick is sublime and on a slightly other deck. O'Brian has been the surprise read of my recent years - turns most historical fiction writers into shallow scrubs.
Thanks for the feedback Darklinger, I have been wondering was I too hard on Moby Dick.
Having a look for some great nautical books for my partner and came across your video! Thanks for all the help 😊
@@TLeafz Glad it was helpful! Thanks for saying so.
You are right internet is mostly dominated by Fantasy these days. I'm myself a historical fiction fan & I was thinking about reading Nautical Novels. The only Nautical Novel I have ever read is The Treasure Island & I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the list. I will definitely check them out.
P B thanks for commenting. This is a tiny channel so its nice to get feedback, appreciate it and hope you enjoy whatever you follow up. Sean
Top ten nautical biographies would be a good video, I’ve read The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier and Iron Coffins by Herbert Werner recently and loved them but not sure where to go next.
Iron Coffins is on my shelf waiting to be read. Maybe try a biography of Cochrane, on whom Jack Aubrey was based (in the Patrick OBrian novels).
According to the actor, Ben Crystal--son of linguist David Crystal--the accent in Treasure Island is accurate for pirates of the period, since many of them would have been Bristol sailors.
In the Heart of the Sea is worth a read. It’s about the Essex whale ship that Moby Dick was based on. 👍
I have read it. Thanks Caleb. If I do a Nautical Non-fiction list it will be considered. Saw the movie too, felt it lacked emotional punch. The book was fascinating.
Hey Sean, I'd highly recommend the book 'Search for Paradise' by Vance Ferrell. It's about the story of the mutiny on the ship Bounty. As a bonus, this is a true story!
Thanks Zayden. I have a couple of books about the Bounty, but not that one. I'll keep an eye out.
Have just seen your good read list. Will follow up with interest. Must admit I'm a great Patrick O'Brian fan. Also have Master & Commander on my bookshelf. Cheers.
@@robertgowers604 Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers Robert
Yessss, loved The Sea Wolf.
Thanks for the feedback. That's a book I like so much I would dread seeing a film of it.
@@sean_d Yeah, I know there have been made for TV movies of it at the least. I haven't seen any yet, but I think TH-cam has 1 or 2 of them available here.
Nice video! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Todd. Appreciate it.
HMS Ulysees is great. My favorite nautical novel is Carsten Jensen's "We, the Drowned" about 100 years in the history for the Danish seaport of Marstal and the sailors from the port from 1848 to the end of the second world war. I'm adding Sea Wolf to my want to read list.
Thanks Jim, you are the second person in a week to mention that book to me. I must make an effort to read it. Your channel looks interesting, I dont know that much about booktube, apart from Steve Donoghue, so your explanations will be helpful. Glad you liked the video. I must do some more on books.
@@sean_d Steve Donoghue led me to your channel. We, the Drowned was a Danish bestseller. BookTube is just a segment of TH-cam where people talk about books and bookish matters.
@@jimsbooksreadingandstuff Just the collaboration he did inspired by this video. Pretty pleased and humbled!
Jack London is such a great writer. Read/listen to all his stuff! Iron Heel is so good! The audiobooks are all on youtube too!!
Endurance (Shackleton's ill-fated Antarctic Expedition) incredible!!
Patrick O'Brian, of course, has twenty-one on offer...
Okay, count those as one, and put it at the top.
'English Passengers' is one of the best books I've ever read - it also has a very satisfying and funny ending! You might prefer 'Redburn' by Herman Melville instead of 'Moby Dick'. It is much more exciting and easier to read. I am currently reading 'The golden ocean' by Patrick O'Brien, one of his three other nautical books separate from the Aubrey - Maturin series.
Thanks for that. There's now a copy of Redburn on the way to me. Have The Golden Ocean but I haven't got around to reading it. Reckon I'll try another Alexander Fullerton next. Wish I'd discovered Blooding Of The Guns before I did this list. Thanks for checking out my channel and taking the time to comment.
@snarnok Two pages into Redburn and I'm hooked. Loving the language. For example 'Whiskerando' is a pretty cool word. Thanks again.
@@sean_d "Top Gallant Gaff Boots!" Also when Redburn describes the taste of his coffee. Herman Melville had a great sense of humour! I've read it twice and I would not mind reading it a third time.
@@snarnok Redburn after a near collision: "No doubt, many ships that are never heard of after leaving port meet their fate in this way. It may be that sometimes two vessels coming together, jib-boom-and-jib-boom, with a sudden shock in the middle watch of the night, mutually destroy each other; and like fighting elks, sink down into the ocean, with their antlers locked in death".
This is great stuff...tempting me to try Moby Dick again...
@@sean_d A beautiful similie! Redburn is very underrated compared with Moby Dick. I think that people should read Redburn first before reading Moby Dick. I've actually read Moby Dick twice.
Thanks for compiling this list. Hope to check out one or two!
Cheers Dave. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Amazon just delivered Gone to Sea in a Bucket. Oboy!
@@davidwilburn6314 Well Dave, I hope you enjoy it, thanks for trusting me. Do let me know...
Really enjoying Sea in a Bucket. Very difficult not to read it all at once. I'm sure it would be more significant if I weren't aviation through and through, but I still love a great submarine adventure.
@@davidwilburn6314 Delighted (and relieved). Keep an eye out I am just finishing something on naval aviation, should be uploaded in the next few days. Must carry on that series myself..
Hello Mr Sean. I've just begun reading Caine Mutiny last night from Herman Wouk. It was interesting to read that, just after writing, the novel didn't get very good traction in the beginning, but then slowly gained readership momentum. I am guessing you've certainly read it since you're so fond of maritime stuff.
@davidwilburn6314 Hi David, my father had a copy of it, but I never even attempted it. I'd be interested to know what you think. I am reading the Patrick O'Brian series at the moment, trying to read it in the proper order. I read another book in between each. Just finished The Surgeons Mate and tempted to try South By Java Head by Alistair MacLean. I do remember seeing the movie of The Caine Mutiny a long time ago, and funny enough, I am developing a taste for old B&W movies, film noir, Humphrey Bogart, etc. Let me know how the book goes.
@@sean_d Finished it up last night; a pretty quick read. I'd also seen the movie a fairly long time ago with very little recollection thereof.
I'd previously read Wouk's big two on WWII, but that was some years ago, and my recollection of them both being good was part of the inspiration to try Caine.
Wouk's writing style isn't as intellectually stimulating as some authors, but he obviously brings to bear his own substantial naval experience in creating a good dramatic work.
Holy calzones, he captures the perilous encounter with being in the midst of a torrential typhoon aboard a smallish ship quite well! The seriousness of the whole adventure is also leavened with some rather funny sequences.
All-in-all, a worthwhile read, but I doubt I'd be inclined to read it again.
@davidwilburn6314 Thanjk for that David. I have to admit I am not going to rush out and get it. Too much other stuff waiting...
Great presentation, definitely what I was looking for. Thank you so much. I'd love to hear more about nautical fiction if you ever get motivated to talk more about it. Subscribing too keep an eye out!
Than you Deniz. It's a tiny channel so your comment means a lot. I don't read enough to do regular videos on books, more on history, but I do reference relevant books at the end. However if I keep this up I will occasionally do more book videos, maybe on some odd memoirs I've picked up or top ten non-fiction books. Hard to tell, I'm still just finding my way on Yoitube. Thanks again. Sean
Great list!
Thanks for taking the trouble to comment. Appreciate it.
My favourite of all is American writer Dewey Lambden , starts in the American wars of independence through the Napoleonic wars and beyond , the story of the rise through the ranks of Alan Lewrie , great reading 😊
@charlestaylor8566 Thank you Charles. I have heard the name mentioned in a Patrick O'Brian Facebook group I am in. I hope to get around to him one day.
Great content -- just FYI, audio was a bit quiet
Thanks Aaron. That was a first attempt. I was glad to get the image right way up. Really appreciate the compliment.
@@sean_d thank you for the recommendations! Helpful resource
Thanks for the recommendations!
Hi Sean, at the end of the video you mentioned that Voyage by Sterling Hayden might nudge something off the list Did it? Would it be in the top ten? Thanks- Julie
Hi Julie. Yes, but I don't know what I'd replace... I enjoyed Voyage although it had flaws. He was aiming for a novel that was like a nautical version of The Grapes of Wrath, a big social commentary on the way sailors were being used and abused as well as a tale of the voyage and the various characters. To that end he introduces a few shore-based characters, the owners, a couple of union organisers and a politician, and maybe tries to do too much. On a few rare occasions he is a little crude with the sex and violence, in a way people were in the 70s when boundaries were being pushed (and it is only a couple of times). Writing about the voyage itself he is in his element. I remember once he referred to "the long horizon", where a landlubber would probably have said 'the far horizon' and I thought there's a guy who has been to sea and knows what it is to scan the horizon. Of course having read his autobiography since I know how much of a sailor he really was. I recommend that too, called Wanderer, his stories of his youth criss-crossing America with a conman stepfather and long-suffering mother develop into an adolescent sailor, young actor, soldier, successful actor while all the time trying to get back to sea. The whole thing is set against a voyage where he breaks a court order to sail to Tahiti with his kids. Its a memoir of a well-intentioned but flawed individual told with admirable honesty.
In short both books are well worth reading and I am glad I took the time to do so.
I would also put Redburn on the list, but you know about that.
@@sean_d Thank you Sean for the thoughtful response. That autobiography sounds very interesting as well. I know of Redburn but haven't read it. I think that will definitely have to go to the top of my TBR. I just finished We, The Drowned and very much enjoyed it. Have you read it?
@@juliealvar4587 Have heard of that Julie but not read it.
I have to put in my favorite The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monserrat. Like Ulysses it is a grim tale of convoy naval warfare in North Atlantic in WW2.
@user-zx9yy8le4u Yes indeed, and the film is high up my Top Ten Nautical Films list. I possibly have a slight prejudice against the book because of his very harsh remarks in the novel about Irish neutrality.
can anyone help me i remember a book from when i was a kid about a man who accidentally ends up on a pirate ship with a female pirate captain named captain kid or kate or kade the ship i think was called the revenge
( there is a seen where she kills a cook for throwing trash overbourd )
"The Cain Mutiny" and "The Cruel Sea" didn't make it. "Voyage" has some of the most poetic descriptive passages of a clipper making way that I've ever read and I was anticipating that it might be on your list. I'll be hitting the library for some f the others when they let us inside again. "
Thanks Ed. You might find them second-hand on abebooks.com for less than the cost of getting to the library.
The Caine Mutiny I read years ago and it didn't stick with me. The Cruel Sea was a contender but upstaged by HMS Ulysses in my humble opinion, other wise it would have been there, despite the very bitter comments about Ireland's neutrality in one passage.
This was a great video. Thank you so much. I'll be making This Thing of Darkness (titled To the Edge of the World in America-i have no idea why the publishers felt the need to change the title) my next read. I was wondering if you've read We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen and if so what you thought of it.
Thanks for the compliment Julie, you are very kind. Had no idea the title was changed in the US. I really hope you enjoy it (but I'm quite confident that you will.)
Never heard of We The Drowned, I will check it out, looks interesting from a quick glance. Do look at the comments from Snarnok about Melville's Redburn, which I read on his recommendation and would be far up the list if I did it again.
@@sean_d Ooh thank for that Redburn recommendation. Definitely going on my TBR. -Julie
Maybe they retitled it to confuse it (in the reading public's mind lol) with Laurence Bergreen's bestseller "Over the Edge of the World," which is all about Magellan, and is worthy of a rereading, imo.
@@sterlingwalter5971 Cheers Sterling. I will track down a copy. I know it was a very eventful voyage.
@@sean_d my opinion of it was that it must have been written by a team of people, so much info contained in that volume. so I did a little research on the suthor, and he seems somewhat fraudulent, talking about the "space program" in one of his talks. when I reread it I intend to keep a sharper eye.
What about 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne? Or Moby-Dick by Herman Melville?
I did mention Moby Dick in the intro. Found it hard going, but thanks to one guy who left comments I went on to read Redburn and White Jacket by Melville and loved them.
Too bad you'd not read "Death Ship" by B. Traven (almost nobody has - he's the author of "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and did everything he could to escape public notice), a novel of two firemen shanghaied aboard a veritable hell-ship.
Joseph I was unaware of this, have read Treasure of the Sierra Madre and enjoyed it. Just ordered a copy of The Death Ship. Many thanks.
Try “For My Great Folly” by Thomas Costain
Sounds fascinating. Thanks for the tip.
Hey can you recommed me a book that contains real stories about ship voyages sir?
Well it would depend on what type of voyages, historical or modern, big vessel or small. Here's a list to start with
waterbornemag.com/top-10-sailing-books/
I rather enjoyed Moby Dick, but it's definitely not a light read.
@chernobylwendigo3994 I have read more Melville since, Redburn and White Jacket, prompted by comments here, both of which impressed me, and I am tempted to read it again.
"I wouldn't bother subscribing if I was you." Too late, Haha. Should've said something sooner.
Well Jacob, I managed to do a few more. Cheers😁