Chapter I: Preface

I have endeavoured in this volume to present as vivid a picture of whaling ships, and the lives of those serving in them, as I can obtain from contemporary accounts, with the object of showing to the reader, whilst still one sailing-ship whaler survives, what were the adventures and enterprise of an industry which forms one of the most romantic sections of maritime history.

This is the story of ships and men whose business took them out not on a few weeks’ trip, but on long cruises often lasting for several years north, south, east and west, up to the Arctic, down to the Antarctic, and round the world. Whaling is at once an ancient and a modern profession of the sea, which has called forth some of those high qualities of courage and seamanlike skill which have been exhibited by Britons and Americans, Dutchmen, Norwegians and others in different generations and varying vessels.

I have laid particular stress on the hard experiences and mode of life which these seamen have been compelled to undertake, and have tried to show the brilliant successes as well as the great depressions through which the occupation has had to pass. Finally, in the chapters which deal in detail with that very recent but highly prosperous steam whaling, the reader will be able to see an amazing revival which links the Norsemen of a thousand years ago with their descendants to-day.

It is hoped that this record may help to encourage still further that deep sea call which has sounded throughout the ages, and has become clearer still during the last ten years. So many letters continue to reach me from readers all over the world that it has become impossible to answer them save a few: but with the passing of the last days of sail it is a joy to know that a new and fresh enthusiasm for the sea and its ships has grown up so lustily.

I have to acknowledge my indebtedness to Scoresby, Bennett, Weddell and other authorities of the past; to Mr. Robert McNab’s _The Old Whaling Days_; and to the interesting Interdepartmental Report published by H.M. Stationery Office dealing with the Dependencies of the Falklands.

E. KEBLE CHATTERTON

CONTENTS

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