From the author of the forthcoming book, Valiant Ambition, the riveting and critically acclaimed bestseller, soon to be a major motion picture starring Chris Hemsworth, directed by Ron Howard, premiering on December 11, 2015Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw, and Brendan Gleeson will star in a new film based on this National Book Award–winning account of the true events behind Moby Dick. true events behind Moby Dick.
In 1820, the whaleship Essex was rammed and sunk by an angry sperm whale, leaving the desperate crew to drift for more than ninety days in three tiny boats. Nathaniel Philbrick uses little-known documents and vivid details about the Nantucket whaling tradition to reveal the chilling facts of this infamous maritime disaster. In the Heart of the Sea—and now, its epic adaptation for the screen—will forever place the Essex tragedy in the American historical canon.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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I didn’t realize Moby Dick was based on a true story until I heard about In the Heart of the Sea and I couldn’t wait to read it. It was exciting, fascinating and educational. Philbrick is an amazing writer.
Nathaniel Philbrick is a prize winning author and this book tells you why. i loved Moby Dick but never knew that it was based on a true story. From the beginning you are drawn into the history of Nantucket. At the same time the men and boys who are about to go on this tragic voyage become real and important to you. This is a compelling read. …
Loved it. He is a wonderful writer.
Philbrick can do no wrong!
History is a favorite genre of mine and In The Heart Of The Sea did not disappoint.
Very detailed account of a harrowing tale.
captivating till the end
A “required read” for anyone who has read – and was captured by – MOBY DICK. Or who is simply drawn to the moral issues of cannibalism. Or who likes a “real-world adventure” (of the extreme variety).
The true story of the ramming and sinking of the whale ship Essex by a very large and angry sperm whale and the plight of the survivors trying to reach land. It was the inspiration for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. The author used the narratives of several of the surviving crew to weave a story of Nantucket and it’s whaling history and social …
This is depicts how hard life was in the sea-faring town and how hard it was on the family while their loved ones were at sea.
Probably rounded up to 4.5. This was a really enjoyable account of a bunch of Quaker New Englanders whose whaling ship was attacked by a sperm whale in the 1800s… and the terrible aftermath. Wouldn’t consider any of that my usual reading fare, but the book was hard to put down.
Riveting story!
Great in depth book on the whaling industry out of Nantucket and the tragic story of the Essex. The book is well written and informative. I ran Moby Dick as a teen but had no knowledge of the true story behind it. Great book.
A true-life incident that inspired Melville to write Moby Dick. The fight for survival in the aftermath of the Essex sinking was quite tragic., and the most captivating part of the story.
Stylish, economical prose and so well constructed as a historical narrative. Could not put it down.
I loved the historical viewpoint. Fascinating!
Dealt with things about which I knew nothing.
This book provides insight into Melville’s inspiration for Moby Dick: It is a fascinating and terrifying account of a dreadful calamity that befell the crew of the Essex and a powerful narrative of human tenacity and suffering.
Powerful story of survival. Also insight into how much the world has changed in terms of knowledge, navigation, ways of life, and attitudes.
An intricate history of the whaling industry from the female dominated coastal towns as the men dedicate their harsh lives as whalers it was a family favorite of the adults and teenagers.