Description

Book Synopsis

DON'T MISS THE MAJOR FILM INSPIRED BY CHASE'S NARRATIVE, IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

On 20 November 1820, just south of the equator, the whaling ship Essex, spotted and pursued a shoal of sperm whales. As the crew started harpooning, the largest whale – some 85 feet long – rammed the Essex twice and 'stove in her bows'. What followed was an epic three-month voyage in open boats across storm-tossed seas. Only eight men survived, sustained by eating those who died.

This edition includes Owen Chases’s famous account, as well as memoirs by two other crew members and a facsimile of Herman Melville's notes on Chase’s narrative.



Trade Review
The effect is kaleidoscopic. A vivid portrait emerges of the shipwrecked men's privatations and fundamental moral dilemma: literally to eat or be eaten -- Lawrence Norfolk
Chase's book still has an almost Biblical power * Mail on Sunday *
An incredibly vivid journal of survival * Scotsman *
The reading of this wondrous story...had a surprising effect on me -- Herman Melville
When I found myself popping the notes I attach to potential quotes to virtually every page, I realised I might as well just deliver a rousing injunction to read the book for yourselves -- Christina Hardyment * Independent *

Shipwreck Of The Whaleship Essex: The true story

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Owen Chase

    £7.49

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    RRP £9.99 – you save £2.50 (25%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 9 Oct 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Vintage Classics
      Published 3 December 2015
      ISBN-13 9781784871260
      978-1784871260
      ISBN-10 1784871265
      Also in:
      Biography True stories of heroism, and endu History Maritime history

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      DON'T MISS THE MAJOR FILM INSPIRED BY CHASE'S NARRATIVE, IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

      On 20 November 1820, just south of the equator, the whaling ship Essex, spotted and pursued a shoal of sperm whales. As the crew started harpooning, the largest whale – some 85 feet long – rammed the Essex twice and 'stove in her bows'. What followed was an epic three-month voyage in open boats across storm-tossed seas. Only eight men survived, sustained by eating those who died.

      This edition includes Owen Chases’s famous account, as well as memoirs by two other crew members and a facsimile of Herman Melville's notes on Chase’s narrative.



      Trade Review
      The effect is kaleidoscopic. A vivid portrait emerges of the shipwrecked men's privatations and fundamental moral dilemma: literally to eat or be eaten -- Lawrence Norfolk
      Chase's book still has an almost Biblical power * Mail on Sunday *
      An incredibly vivid journal of survival * Scotsman *
      The reading of this wondrous story...had a surprising effect on me -- Herman Melville
      When I found myself popping the notes I attach to potential quotes to virtually every page, I realised I might as well just deliver a rousing injunction to read the book for yourselves -- Christina Hardyment * Independent *

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