Customer Reviews

The Jason Voyage:the Quest For The Golden Fleece

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I just finished reading The Jason Voyage by Tim Severin, which I picked up in the "discard" pile at our local library for 50 cents. Ever a fan of sea adventures, and having read Mr. Severin's "The Brendan Voyage" a couple of years ago, I just couldn'r resist picking up "The Jason Voyage". To say it was a bargain at 50 cents is a vast understatement! It is a rousing, riveting tale. I got blisters on my hands just from reading it! As always, Tim Severin puts you in the "driver's seat" so to speak. One could easily feel every agonizing oar stroke as the crew of the modern day replica of Jason's Argo struggled across the Agean and against the mighty currents of the Bosphorous to the Black Sea. To row a Bronze Age Greek Galley 1500 miles is definately a Herculean feat to say the least and not a voyage for the faint of heart! As with "The Brendan Voyage", where Severin and crew sailed a leather skinned, medieval Irish currah across the North Atlantic to Newfoundland, one gets a great deal of insight as to why someone would want to recreate these seemingly insane voyages in marginally seaworthy vessels. Alas, Mr. Severin once again proves that ancient people's were neither foolhardy, nor technologically backward and succeeds in infecting you with his own particular brand of madness. You finish the book, feeling that you were along for the ride, and wishing that you had been. Where do I sign on for your next voyage Tim?

Reading Jason's Voyage was a big thrill for me. I grew up in the Bosphorus and have sailed in the Agean Sea, Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea and that was with a motored yatch. Having experienced those seas I can tell you one thing. What Tim Severin did is truly amazing. I was only five years old at the time of his journey and having read the book some 15 years later made wish that I was older at that time to row along with the crew. I'd reccommend this book to any person who is adventure minded. I am looking forward to reading his other adventure stories and I hope that you will too. It really is time well spent!!.