New York: St. Martin's Press, (1999).

First edition, first printing.

A history of the rise and fall of the whaling industry in the South Seas from the mid-17th century to the early 20th century, by Australian author Granville Allen Mawer (born 1943). Mawer does a great job of describing the day-to-day life of the whale hunters: danger, abuse, excitement and tedium. This lifestyle was occasionally detrimental to a person's psyche, as Herman Melville's character of Captain Ahab demonstrates - apparently this condition was not uncommon in the industry. This book has many fascinating stories gleaned from extensive research. It also describes the boats and tools used in whaling, and products made from the fruits of hunting.  A great read.

Black boards with gilt-stamped titles to spine. Wrap-around illustrated dust jacket. Robin's-egg blue endpapers.

Illustrated in b/w from drawings and photographs.

Quarto; size is 6-1/4" by 9-1/4". 393 pages, including index.

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