Leviathan

By Eric Jay Dolin,

Book cover of Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America

Book description

The epic history of the "iron men in wooden boats" who built an industrial empire through the pursuit of whales. "To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme," Herman Melville proclaimed, and this absorbing history demonstrates that few things can capture the sheer danger and desperation ofā€¦

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Why read it?

1 author picked Leviathan as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you could only read one book on whaling it would be Leviathan. Itā€™s written by an estimable storyteller and experienced researcher who provides a thorough history of the subject that is digestible, authentic, and easy to read in a literate, nontechnical style. Author Dolin has become a friend and mentor whose early review was of great assistance to me in framing the story of how my captains fit into the industry.

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