Thar She Blows: American Whaling in the Nineteenth Century

Children's Literature

An honest portrayal of life for whalers and their families is presented in this information book, one in the publisher's "People's History" series. The emphasis is on the social and cultural history of whaling with less offered on the environmental or economical aspects of the industry. Readers learn how men and boys were recruited for a two to three year voyage, the poor compensation at the voyage's end and the numerous hardships in between. The work of finding, killing and harvesting the whale is vividly reported. The life of a crew member is described frankly, as are the many deprivations one experienced. It is commendable that chapters are included that deal with the economic and emotional toll on families that experienced lengthy separations. When a wife or family accompanied the captain on the whaling ship, another set of problems arose. The book paints a bleak but balanced picture of whaling in the 1800s using a variety of first-hand accounts. The illustrations are photos and drawings selected from archival sources. The lack of sufficient maps is a disadvantage, given the number of place names identified. The back matter includes a traditional whaling song, a diagram of a whaling ship and whaling terms with a bibliography and index.
—Jacki Vawter

VOYA

Whaling was a gruesome, dangerous, and often fatal occupation that offered small profit for the average sailor. What type of person would seek such a livelihood? This fascinating book chronicles the history of the American whaling industry and the people who chose that way of life. Currie begins with an overview of whaling's importance and the many necessary products that come from whales. A typical whaling journey is depicted vividly, highlighting the exhausting and treacherous duties, ship accommodations, the excitement of the quest for the elusive whales, and the exotic but long journeys. The hunt and eventual killing of the whale is told graphically. Technical information on the gruesome disposal of the whale and the process of reducing blubber to profitable oil is explained clearly. The average sailor's daily existence aboard a whaler is absorbing, detailing the entertainment, cruel punishment, dismal food, and dreary loneliness, and description is supported by contemporary diary entries, letters, black-and-white drawings, and photographs. A glossary of whaling terms and the anatomy of a whaling ship are welcome features. The acknowledgement of the environmental consequences of whaling is a significant element. A map of the journey routes, an anatomical drawing of a whale, and illustrations of whaling equipment would have been helpful additions. This title will be useful in middle school and public libraries to support school assignments. Readers who enjoyed the McKissacks' Black Hands, White Sails (Scholastic, 1999/VOYA February 2000) and Jim Murphy's Gone-a-Whaling (Clarion, 1998/VOYA 1998) will find this book an interesting and readable history of the period. Glossary. Index.Illus. Photos. Biblio. Appendix. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2001, Lerner, 96p,
— Eileen Kuhl

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-A visually appealing, highly informative book. The 19th-century myths that promised high adventure are dispelled and the sad truth about the industry is revealed. Currie describes the grim reality, from the tedious hours aboard ship waiting to spot a whale to the homesickness that so many of the men endured away from their wives and children, sometimes for years. Through the use of diaries and letters, readers are given a firsthand look at what whalers experienced, including seasickness, bad weather, and ill health as a result of poor diet. Currie graphically describes the chase, as well as the killing and dismembering of the animals. Black-and-white archival photographs and reproductions support the text. Readers who are interested in whaling or are writing reports on the subject will find this authoritative book useful.-Jessica Snow, Boston Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.