Product Description

After an epic journey lasting over three years, Captain Joshua Slocum succeeded in becoming the first man to sail single-handed around the world. His account of that voyage was immortalized in SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD, a magical diary packed with event and insight that has inspired a generation of readers, seafarers and landlubbers alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40233 in Books
• Published on: 1999-10-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 273 pages

Review
"'It is a timeless work that can be read again and again, and a story that totally absorbs the reader with it's enormity and honest endeavour' RNSA Journal 'Slocum's prose is a model of its kind: honest, vivid, salty, and at times, lyrical' Traditional Boats and Tall Ships 'One of the all-time classic sailing narratives' Classic Boat"

Synopsis
First published in 1900, Joshua Slocum's autobiographical account of his solo trip around the world is one of the most remarkable and entertaining travel narratives of all time. Slocum set off alone from Boston in April 1895 and went on to join the ranks of the world's great circumnavigators. But by circling the globe without crew or consorts, Slocum outdid them all. His three-year solo voyage of more than 46,000 miles remains unmatched in maritime history of courage, skill, and determination.

Customer Reviews

A classic which has endured for over 100 years
After spending years commanding large merchant vessels, Capt Joshua Slocum completely rebuilds a 37 foot yacht and sets sail around the world in it. Slocum's grasp of the English language is exemplary as he describes his single-handed voyage around the world. The book is a fascinating insight into life 100 years ago when sailors were unable to use electronics for navigation, meteorology or helming and vessesls had to sail around the Capes as the "shortcut canals" (Panama and Suez) had not yet been constructed.

An understated epic of seamanship and adventure
I share other reviewers' enthusiasm for this book, but for me astonishment and admiration are the dominant emotions it evokes. At an age when most of us are ready to start taking it easy, and long before the days of modern aids to navigation and survival, Captain Slocum cobbles together his tiny boat and sets off around the world single-handed, braving wild seas and fending off wilder but barefoot natives with tin tacks scattered on the deck. Don't look for any modern angst or self-revelation as to why he decided to do it, or what drove him to persist when, for instance, it took him exhausting weeks of battling to get round the Horn. The whole saga is so quietly told that the man's huge competence, sagacity and sheer fortitude emerge only slowly. I'm no sailor, but this is one sailing book that I will always keep to hand for inspiration.

The best part of Slocum is, his life's based on a true story
I have read any number of books by small boat sailors, but never have I enjoyed one more than this. Why? I love success stories, and Capt. Slocum was the sort who assured his success before he set out. He anticipated, and prepared for every contingency, and he succeeded in spite of doubters. But, what really sets the book apart is its language and the scope of knowledge of this third-grader. I gave most my other 'sea' books away, but will keep this one forever.