The Maritime History Of Massachusetts, 1783-1860 (Northeastern classics edition) (Paperback)

by Samuel Eliot Morison (Author)
Key Phrases: clipper schooners, neutral trading, foremast hand, New England, New York, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Here is no catalogue of ships, reader, nor naval chronicle, but a story of maritime enterprise; of the shipping, seaborne commerce, whaling, and fishing belonging to one American commonwealth. I have chosen to catch the story at half flood, when Massachusetts vessels first sought Far-Eastern waters, and to stay with it only so long as wind and sail would serve. For to one who has sailed a clipper ship, even in fancy, all later models of ocean carriage must seem decadent. Samuel Eliot Morison --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 433 pages
• Publisher: Northeastern; Northeastern Classics Ed edition (November 30, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930350049
• ISBN-13: 978-0930350048
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,576,204 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those interested in the great age of sail., January 6, 2001

By	Gregory J. Murphy (Shelbyville, MI USA) - See all my reviews

One of the most fascinating accounts of sailing, history and economics I've ever encountered, this book is a must if you have an interest in the great age of sail.

Certainly more than a dry recounting of historical events, Morrison helps you understand the passions, motivation and impact on the economic development of the western world of those who came and went from Boston and other East coast ports in the early to mid-1800's.

The last two chapters, in particular were absolutely rivetting. The era of the clipper ships was not only amazingly brief, but possibly one of the biggest catalysts for economic change in the 19th century. In particular, the extremely detailed description of the activities on the deck of a huge clipper moving into a berthing at a Boston pier, completely through the skill of the experienced captain literally moved me to tears. Understanding the pride of a seaman in presenting the best face of his ship and crew to the watching throngs on shore is something that any sailor can readily identify with.

You'll find it a very rewarding read.

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointment, May 14, 2009

By	halosix (kansas city, ks) - See all my reviews

I was pretty excited to find a Morison book available for the Kindle, and downloaded the sample immediately. As best I can tell, the publisher merely scanned in a hardcover print, and this version appears to be straight pictures of the scans. You can't zoom the text, and the print is quite small. Pages also take significantly longer to load, as compared to "regular" Kindle ebooks.

3.0 out of 5 stars Technical difficulties, January 1, 2009

By	Jason S. Taylor "Marco's Realto" (Portland Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would like this book better if there were not the tech problems. Someone tried to cram a lot of writting into a little Kindle space, thus causeing a number of difficulties. I would be glad for a rewrite.