From Publishers Weekly
Mary Brewster (1823-1878) was one of a number of ``whaling wives'' who, rather than spending long periods of their married life alone in New England, chose to accompany their sea captain husbands on dangerous voyages to the Pacific that could last two years or more. The book reproduces Mary's diaries of her first voyage with her husband, William Brewster, on the whaleship Tiger to the Sandwich Islands in 1845 and a second venture to the Arctic in 1848 along with skillfully researched essays placing Mary's observations and experiences in historical perspective by New Zealand journalist Druett. Mary's candid and lively daily entries provide a wealth of detail concerning shipboard life and the whaling industry as well as a portrait of missionary life on the island of Maui, where she spent six months in 1847. A scholarly yet accessible contribution to maritime studies and women's history. Illustrations.
Copyright 1992 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Review
Druett's research is impressive, her commentary and notes enlightening, useful to anyone with an interest in whaling. --
The Northern MarinerMary's journals brought vividly to life by Joan Druett's editing. --
Sea HistoryThis is the most complete compendium of the female experience in nineteenth-century whaling and seafaring. --
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