“Given that men have sailed the seas for thousands of years, it’s perhaps surprising how few great works of literature have been inspired by the seafaring life. Sailing may have promised adventure, but in reality it was a dangerous profession that attracted only the toughest, few of whom were equipped with a talent for writing. Their yarns remained fixed in the oral tradition, and in general, writers directed their attention elsewhere. But the exceptions are majestic.”
7 thoughts on “Books ahoy!”
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I just finished Jack London’s The Sea Wolf. It was a real page turner, as London always is for me (with the exception of The Iron Heel). The list you link to refers to London’s “novel Ulf Larson.” which doesn’t exist. However, Wolf Larson, is the name of the compelling Nietzschean captain in The Sea Wolf. It’s a great story that is part adventure story, part romance, limned with philosophical arguments between Nietzsche and others. There’s something for everyone.
The question the list raises for me is: Will I ever finish Moby Dick, and should I want to?
Started The Sea Wolf myself last night. Reading it on my iPhone.
What is it like reading a seafaring tale on a little screen? Can you enjoy reading the whole book that way?
I can and do enjoy reading on the iPhone. I’ve read several novels and some non-fiction. Among other things I like getting the free samples from Amazon and reading them. I use the Kindle App, Eucalyptus and Masterpieces.
I think the iPad might be too big.
I confess. I have taken the Library of America London volume off the shelf and started reading The Sea-Wolf from it with its fine acid-free paper and bookmark ribbon.
Library Of America – the single-malt of books.
I finished that Jack London book The Sea Wolf. He writes good.