Product Description

The true story of a pioneering sailor who travelled the world at the end of the 18th century. In his many voyages, the Scottish-born John Nichol circumnavigated the globe, visiting every inhabited continent. He participated in many of the greatest events of exploration and adventure. He battled pirates, traded with Native Americans and fought for the British Navy in the American and French Revolutions; he also travelled on the first female convict ship to Australia, was entertained in Hawaii by the king's court, days after the murder of Captain James Cook, and witnessed the horrors of the slave system in Jamaica.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49240 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-27
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

The ordinary life in an extraordinary time
This is the life of an ordinary seaman at the time of the beginning of scientific exploration. John Nicol a seaman on the voyages of discovery and later trade to Australia, the Americas and to Africa. He observed life of the captains, the ordinary men at sea and the people of the lands he visited. He went to sea at an early age was imprisoned, married and lived to 94 and died in England. The diarys are a remarkable work of an eyewitness to history. It is written and edited in an easly readable style and brings history to life.

A lovely account
This was a great little book to read. A nice introduction to explain alterations made to the text to help the modern reader. This sailor has been around! I came across his name whilst reading 'The Floating Brothel' by Sian Rees and wanted to know a little bit more about him. The book talks about his life, in his words, including the people and places in it.

Well worth a read, it's highly informative, entertaining and thrilling.

moving human microstory of life at sea in 18th century
There are two reasons to read this book. First, a marvellous account of life at sea in the 18th century, written beautifully and yet spontaneously by a simple sailor. Second, a moving human microstory of genuine love, adventure and lost hope. The two intertwine magnificently and I could not help identifying with the writer's plight.