REVIEWS The Whale and His Captors, Henry
Cheever, reprint of the 1849-50 Harper & Bros. edition. 6x9, 315 pp, $14.95,
'"'~ii;l;i'The hardCruise case. of the Gipsy, the Journal of Joh11 Wilson, Surgeon of a Whaling Voyage in the Pacific Ocean, 1839-1843, 500 plus pages, 9xl2,
$32.50, hard case. YE GALLEON PRESS Box 287, Fairfield, WA 99012. (509) 283-2422.
Framed Oil Paintings of Sailing Ships & Steamers
$150 to $500 Catalog
$5.00 Write to: Ships
P.O. Box 1517 Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
Sea of Glory; A Naval History of the American Revolution, by Nathan Miller (Naval Institute Press, rev . ed. 1992, 558pp, illus, appen, biblio, index; $34.95hb) Focusing on "the ordinary seamen of the Great Age of Sail" Miller has surveyed the naval side of the American War of Independence. He demonstrates how the Continental Navy played a crucial and multifaceted role in winning thi s contest against the supreme naval power of the 18th century. Sources available for this history are problematical in that there are none in some areas while others are of a partisan nature as would be expected in a struggle that pitted fellow countrymen against each other. Miller has utilized official records, reports, logbooks, letters, journals and secondary sources in the telling of this fascinating story. His bibliography lists the important secondary literature in thi s field. Miller's use of a broad narrative approach to the Revolution maintains continuity throughout the book. Yet the most interesting aspect is the excellent technical detail interspersed throughout the narrative. His descriptions of life aboard an 18th-century warship, the procedure for firing the guns, and fascinating per-
sonal vignettes about various naval officers are examples of this detail. While readers may debate Miller's conclusions or desire a different emphasis in hi s treatment, Sea of Glory is an important account of the naval operations of the American Revolution and is highly recommended for both scholars and those interested in naval history. HAROLD N. BOYER Marple Public Library Broomall, Pennsylvania Furness Withy, 1891-1991, by David Burrell (World Ship Society, Langrigg, Cumnock, Ayrshire UK, 1992, 230pp, illus, appen, index; ÂŁ32hb, ppd) Amongst museum curators in Britain, there is a perception (not without justification) that commerce here is very bad at celebrating and preserving its own heritage. This is not quite fair to the shipping industry which over the years has produced many "Official Histories." In recent years, the enthusiasm of the World Ship Society has maintained this trend working in collaboration with shipowners. A fruit of this enlightened partnership is now to hand in the superlative production of Furness Withy's centenary history, written by David Burrell, a
Your Adventure Begins Here ... Journey back through time and into adventure aboard the American Tall Ship Rose as she voyages along the East Coast and into the Great Lakes this year. The only Class-A size sailing vessel under the US flag upon which the civilian public may embark carries no passengers-all who sail aboard her participate to the best of their ability.
Come alone or with family or friends-sign on for a few days or a few weeks. No prior experience is necessary, nor is extraordinary fitness required. To receive schedule and additional information write or call:
"HMS" Rose Foundation 1 Bostwick Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605 B' (203)335-0932 'If (203)335-1433; fax (203)335-6793 Rose is a US documented vessel , inspected and certified by the US Coast Guard. Safety standards for Sailing School Vessels differ from those of passenger vessels on a co mparable route because persons aboard training ships are not passengers, but participants who share in the ship's operation. Rose meets or exceeds all safety requirements for a vessel of her size and class.
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SEA HISTORY 65, SPRING 1993