A dusty, somewhat diminutive tome at the end of a high bookshelf here in the Mariner Library, 'Strange, But True' by Capt. Thomas Crapo is just the sort of book this podcast is all about, it's rare to see a copy, it's all about the sea and it is a veritable treasure-trove of authentic, historically accurate, seamanship information that is still absolutely relevant to modern sailors. 

A note of caution if you are sensitive to the deplorable act of whaling, as the opening chapters do deal with Capt. Crapo's earlier days working on a whaling ship on a four year voyage to the Pacific. If you are able to get past factually reported information about an activity which was moral to those depicted here at the end of the 17th century (and not to be confused with the questionable morality of those still pursuing this type of hunting in the 21st Century); you will discover a delightfully observant yet dry authorial style, that depicts not only the incredible circumstances Thomas Crapo and his wife lived through, but also their mental and emotional journey as a couple facing an enormous challenge.

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If you have any sailing books that you think would be an interesting read for modern sailors please contact me at [email protected] and we will see if we can bring them and their forgotten voyages back to life here on Rare Nautical Reads.