Twice Round the Loggerhead: The Culture of Whaling in the Azores [Hardcover]

Lance R. Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2000

The Azores are an island nation where historically whaling was an essential way of life. To hunt the whale, young men and old would risk their lives in open boats from shore, and this activity represents the heart of Azorean history and tradition. This volume contains essays on the rich history of whaling and its associated folkways in the Azores and on the techniques of building the boat and the author's relationship with his Azorean mentor. Abundantly illustrated with line drawings, historical photographs, and over fifty watercolours documenting both the process and setting.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lance R Lee and Bruce Halabisky

Product Details

• Hardcover: 124 pages
• Publisher: Leetes Island Books (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0918172225
• ISBN-13: 978-0918172228
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Natural Resources > Fisheries & Aquaculture

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Written by the "Hand of God"!, July 22, 2000

By 

Jeff Madruga - See all my reviews

This review is from: Twice Round the Loggerhead: The Culture of Whaling in the Azores (Hardcover)

It takes consideration of both Predator *and* Prey to understand the drama inherent in a natural Life. This well-written (in English!) and beautifully illustrated book, "Twice Round the Loggerhead" makes an excellent effort to bring those elements to the reader, using Azorean shore whaling as elements. This book is a treat for those interested in maritime history, wooden boatbuilding (at least!), and is a very special treat for the eyes, heart, and even Soul of anyone wise enough to consider the humble pleasures of real risks taken and real lives lived on a work-a-day basis, and how that shapes isolated people and their resources. A beautiful and uplifting book!

4.0 out of 5 stars A beguiling piece of Azores history, April 16, 2009

By 

Betsy Wade - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twice Round the Loggerhead: The Culture of Whaling in the Azores (Hardcover)

Good histories of the Azores are rare. This one, with text, photographs, old and new, watercolors and ship plans, is a treasure. It examines the graceful small boats used to hunt whales in the Azores. Then it follows as a team takes off the lines of an old vessel and constructs a modern edition, in the manner of the Amistad. A neglected prize.