Customer Reviews

The Life and Times of a Merchant Sailor: The Archaeology and History of the Norwegian Ship "Catharine" (The Springer Series in Underwater Archaeology)

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Extracts from a reviewed by Troy J.Nowak, Nautical Archaeology Program, Texas A&M University

One of the most exciting aspects of historical archaeology is the possibility for the researcher to connect archaeological finds with contemporary documents. When available, historical records breathe life into the material remains of heart pass and allow them to recount tales related to the political, economic, and social environments in which they function. The life and times a merchant sailor combines these resources "... to gain an insight into the broader historical and cultural milieu of 19th-century Norwegian ships and their connection to a Norwegian maritime economies" (p. vii)....
Catherine fought a severe gale on its approach to the interests of Pensacola Bay on 7 August 1894.... unable to reach the bay, Catherine ran aground in the Gulf of Mexico near Santa Rosa Island. Ernst describes the wrecking of the Catherine, through his study of United States lifesaving service reports and contemporary newspaper accounts that provide details ranging from the time of the wrecking and the rescue of its crew, to its final sale and salvage.
Today, Catherine lies within the boundaries of Gulf Islands national seashore and is a popular destination for local divers and fishermen....
The Life and Times of a merchant sailor is generally a well researched and formative study. The amount of historical documentation available to the author was extensive, although little new information relating to late 19th century ships and shipping was gleaned from the archaeological remains. The value of this work is in its use of Catherine and is a case study to discuss aspects of late 19th-century international trade in the resourcefulness of Norway's merchant marine.