New AcquisitionsThe Way of a Ship; Derek Lundy; Jonathon Cape, 2002; £18.99; CA 16150
Cape Horn is one of the most formidable obstacles on earth – perhaps the ultimate challenge for the cruising yachtsman. Modern yachts are usually much better equipped to make a westbound rounding than the heavily-laden square-rigged merchant ships of old. But how would a crew manage today against the ferocious winds and currents, especially in winter? Well, if Derek Lundy’s book does not put you off, you would probably be OK.
Merchant navy records are particularly meagre, but he has done a fine job of scouring the sources, and recreating in vibrant detail the horror of a nineteenth-century voyage in a 5000-ton “four poster”. Hard-horse captains and “bucko” mates were not solely part of an owner’s plot to subjugate the crew. Without their merciless drive, these unhandy ships would probably not have survived. As it was, it took Derek Lundy’s creation 59 nightmare days to make its rounding. He draws frequently from such writers as Conrad, Dana, and Melville to illustrate his story. He also intersperses his salty narrative with chapters on naval history. These too are interesting and informative. However, I have to confess that I found them irritating, as I could hardly wait to get on with his fascinating epic! - DWB
Page created January 2003
| New Acquisitions |