The Hunted Whale Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
The lethal industry that lit the world, explained and illustrated by precise photographs of its weapons and equipment.The Hunted Whale is a spectacular photographic exploration of the material culture of American whaling in the age of sail. Before the coming of steam and diesel ships with instruments of mechanized slaughter, the hunt was a relatively even contest between two wily mammals―man and the sperm whale. The danger that lurked in each hunt can be seen in the ultra-light cedar construction of the whale boat that the men “beached” on the living whale’s back. The gnarled and twisted shapes of surviving harpoons document the tenacity of the hunters as well as the wounded whale’s manic attempt to break free. Many aspects of the sperm whale’s unusual physiology are illustrated here, as are the whaler’s personal belongings: hats, gloves, and scrimshaw―the intricate carvings he made on the whale’s teeth. Expertly curated and beautifully shot, this magnificent photo essay takes the viewer to the New England ports of a fledgling America as it struggled to dominate a global industry. Amazing facts, explanatory notes, and tales from the sea, representing the fruit of years of research, accompany James McGuane’s over 250 masterful photographs. McGuane looks to identify the various motivations that turned ordinary men into whale hunters. He discovers adventure, greed, courage, escape, gullibility and ignorance.The book also includes a riveting firsthand account of the hunt, excerpted from naturalist Robert Cushman Murphy’s Logbook for Grace, a diary he kept of his time aboard the whaleship Daisy in 1912. With The Hunted Whale, McGuane delivers an engrossing and humane snapshot of a now-vanished age that helped forge the American nation as we know it. 245 color photographs
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (October 14, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0393069125
ISBN-13: 978-0393069129
Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 1 x 11.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #473,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #77 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Natural Resources > Fisheries & Aquaculture #225 in Books > Science & Math > Biological Sciences > Animals > Marine Life #300 in Books > Engineering & Transportation > Transportation > History > Ships
This is an incredibly well researched and beautifully photographed book. Mr. McGuane's attention to detail is refreshing. I have a totally different perspective on our nation's early history after reading this book. I highly recommend "The Haunted Whale" to classrooms nationwide and it definitely makes an awesome Christmas gift. Amazing work!!
A very informative book with excellent photos. A must read for anyone who has an interest in whales. Easy to read.
A++
History Book. Adventure Story. Photographic Masterpiece. James McGuane has combined all three in his latest photographic exploration of the material culture of the whaling industry in the age of sail. The Hunted Whale, like McGuaneâs earlier work, Heart of Oak, gives us a delicious peek at artifacts that would ordinarily be inaccessible to the general public. The lighting of the objects is superb, allowing everything from the tiny fibers on rope lines to stamped lettering on a rusted blubber hook to intricate details in President John F Kennedyâs scrimshaw collection to seemingly jump off the page. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. McGuane speak at an author talk on Cape Cod and immediately appreciated how his passion for the subject and easy manner with people could help him gain access to the most highly prized collections at the most well-regarded institutions. While I came for the pictures, I stayed for the story. The research is solid. McGuane read over 125 books in the course of his study. Like me, he believes history books need more pictures. Like me, he loves the sea and respects its wildlife. But he wanted to gain a better understanding of this time in our history. Unlike many other books of this type, he did all the research, writing, and photography himself. The conversational tone of his writing and the way he weaves in the whaling vernacular makes this an enjoyable and understandable read for everyone from the home-schooled student to the professional historian. His excerpts from Herman Melville as well as naturalist Robert Cushman Murphyâs Logbook for Grace, a diary of his time aboard the whaleship Daisy in 1912, promise action and adventure for those seeking the thrill of an age gone by. I am enjoying my own copy so much that I already purchased a few more as gifts. Whether you have a home by the ocean or just love the sea, this book belongs on your coffee table. You and your guests will thoroughly enjoy it.
Fantastic book/photographic documentary on whaling! I've bought 2 copies already-one for me and one for a gift and I'm ordering several more for Christmas gifts. Great gift for anyone that loves the sea, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Boston, history, whales, and/or beautiful photography. James McGuane is a master photographer and gifted storyteller. I highly recommend this book!
An unbiased, well balanced look at the whaling era. Outstanding photography. James McGuane is a master at his work. Up close and documented with whaling logs. Wish I had this years ago. Anyone interested in seafaring, whaling, or maritime history will love this book. I've already bought two copies for gifts. Great shipping deals from . You would have to travel to many of the best museums to see all that is included, and then not up as close as the detail the pictures reveal. The price is excellent for for such a work as this. Quality!. Ironsman
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