Customer Reviews

Temple to the Wind: The Story of America's Greatest Naval Architect and His Masterpiece, Reliance

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked this book up a few days ago, and I finished it at warp speed.

This is a book about the America's Cup races at the turn of the century between English and American teams of boat designers, sailors, and wealthy financial backers. The author tells the story of each part of these teams, and it kept me glued. Pastore does a really good job I think in telling this story. He uses his own obvious sailing and sailboat expertise to recreate every detail of the enormous (at least for their day) vessels and their crews. You get a sense for the danger involved and the what was at stake, and you can trust the author. He is academic about the details, but his love for boats and sailing permeates. The races took place over a hundred years ago, but he makes them exciting and you really don't know what's going to happen. It's fun.

I have written reviews of fiction before, but never for non-fiction. This book really grabbed my attention for some reason. I don't think I will be alone. The story works on so many levels....political, nautical, technological, economic. I am giving this book for a christmas gift. I feel confident that several members of my family will enjoy this story.

Temple to the Wind is the next creative non-fiction hit. As you can tell by the editorial reviews provided above, Temple to the Wind is comparable to Seabiscuit, Fastnet Force Ten, and In the Heart of the Sea. It really is that good.

The story of Captain Nat and Charlie Barr has been told numerous times in books with an academic and dry approach. I know because I've read most of them. Pastore breaks from that trend and puts humor, suspense and in-depth research into a book that is obviously well researched and written. Pastore's lifetime in the maritime world, combined with his academic approach and fluent writing style give the reader a story that has been told multiple times, but never quite like this. Temple to the Wind, like Reliance, is a winner.

What I especially like about Temple to the Wind is its lack of "fluff" writing. Instead of using fabricated dialogue to embellish and give voice to the characters, Pastore mined the available material (including personal letters and diaries of Captain Nat and Sir Lipton) at the New York Yacht Club, Mystic Seaport, and Royal Ulster Yacht Club to create the tension and interaction between the characters.

From my experience sailing and racing on the restored J boats Shamrock and Endeavour, and my time spent in the yacht construction industry, I can say that Pastore has hit the nail on the head when it comes to recreating the construction and racing of the great Reliance. His description of the construction techniques used and the racing strategy are right on. However, it needs to be stressed that Temple to the Wind does not read like a boat building manual or racing rules guide. It is first and foremost a story about the characters that surrounded the boat.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with maritime terminology, don't worry, the extensive glossary provides accurate and understandable definitions and explanations. The glossary also contains a helpful and accurate illustration.

Experienced sailors, armchair sailors, and history buffs alike, this book is either a perfect way to pass the winter months that are approaching or to enjoy while sitting at anchor next summer.

I'm not much of a sailor, but this book intrigued me because of its title and the beautiful cover picture. I have fond memories of living in Newport, Rhode Island during the excitement of America's Cup season. Well, I couldn't put this book down! Pastore has a real gift for writing.
The story of Nathanael Herreshoff and the early days of the America's Cup is so well researched and written that even a landlubber like me could stay riveted. I was fascinated with the characters.
If you are looking for a well written story, I recommend Temple to the Wind. I hope to read more from Christopher Pastore soon!

Pastore takes you on a journey through history and makes Herreshoff come alive. This book is an amazing account of Herreshoff's travails while designing Reliance. I am basically a sailor wanna-be and was delighted to feel much closer to the excitement of the yachting world years ago- when the stakes were very high. Pastore's devotion to the subject is evident and his enthusiasm for the race is contagious! Truly a great read.

Temple to the wind is a riveting account of the Reliance story. I would also put it right up there with Seabiscuit and In the Heart of the Sea. The book is expertly written and extremely well researched. I found the biographical material about Herreshoff, Barr and Lipton very interesting. I especially enjoyed the fast paced play by play action of the races between Reliance and Shamrock III. I highly recommend Temple to the Wind.

This book was an entertaining and informative even for someone who generally tries to avoid the non-fiction aisle. The book is packed with information and is clearly well researched -- who knew the America's Cup played such a big part in the history of this country. Book was recommended by sailor, but being one is certainly not a prerequisite (as I am proof positive).

Read this book and you will be recommending it to your friends and family.

I'm a history buff, and have not previously been a sailing buff -- BUT this book may make me one! If you're like me, you will enjoy learning more about the time period, the America's Cup races, Sir Thomas Lipton, Nathanael Herreshoff and Charlie Barr.

It's apparent that the author loves what he was researching/writing about because it made it a joy to read!

I picked up Temple to the Wind, to attempt to understand my faters passion for the sea. I was intrigued by the story and person, Nathanael Herreshoff and the historical accuracy of the evolution of naval architecture.
The book was so well written, that I now am begining to understand ones passion for sailing.
It is obvious, Pastore feels the same way. I think in order to really convey an interest in a subject you have to be committed. Pastore's committment is clear.
Well Done! and thanks for the lesson!

I first heard about "Temple to the Wind" thanks to an email sent to me by a friend in New Zealand. I had some knowledge of the Reliance, and of Captain Nat, but never really gave the boat much thought other than to wonder at its immense sail plan and dimensions. I bought the book, and have been unable to put it down until it was finished.

Christopher Pastore has done a magnificent job of researching this subject, and has woven the historic context and the stories of all of the people involved into a wonderful, entertaining story, full of drama, humour, and spellbinding descriptions of the parallel design and building of the vessels on two different continents, the drama and historical context behind the main players, and the actual races leading up to and including the Cup Defense.

Thoroughly entertaining, and factual, Temple to the Wind is a gem, and will definitely not disappoint anyone who reads it.

Anyone who knows old wooden sailing boats knows the name 'Captain Nat Herreshoff'.
He was one of the greatest designers of America's cup winners and of classic yachts who's designs stand the test of time for sailing pleasure craft. My family has own a Herreshoff designed boat for generations, but this book told me things I never knew about the man, his company, family and those he interacted with. A great read with historical references far afield of just the boat builder/designer. Well worth it.