In 1838 the able-bodied seaman Charles Erskine joined the exploring expedition of Charles Wilkes who was setting out on a voyage of discovery around the world. From the Pacific to Antarctic to Atlantic; Erskine would travel with this expedition to the furthest corners of the Earth. He would go on to travel to some of the most unexplored regions; meeting men and women who had never seen westerners before. Along the journey the crew meet Patagonians; Fijians; Tahitians; Aborigines; and many other peoples. Although the Wilkes expedition was largely scientific mission; the ships were not always peaceful; indeed there were a number of armed conflicts with Pacific Islanders as the United States began to assert its authority across the globe. The ships and their crews had to withstand some of the most appalling conditions as they continued their expedition; from the heat-driven mirages of the South Atlantic to the brutal cold of the Antarctic seas. What makes Erskine’s narrative so remarkable is that he is not writing from the perspective of an admiral or a scientific explorer; but instead from the viewpoint of a common sailor. Interspersed throughout the narrative are short ditties and sailor’s songs that provide a vivid picture of the mentality of nineteenth century seamen. After the Wilkes expedition landed back in the United States Erskine spent only brief moments on dry land as he frequently registered under new ships and continued his journeys. Erskine’s book is a fascinating first-hand account of exploration and maritime life aboard a tall ship. Twenty Years Before the Mast was published in 1896 towards the end of Erskine’s life.
#1971993 in Books Jenkins Ryan 2015-06-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .16 x 6.00l; .24 #File Name: 151434870570 pagesAuschwitz Greatest Escape True Stories of Camp Escapees in the Holocaust
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. AstoundingBy Rachel HoronWhen one hears about the high security and cruelties of concentration camps including Auschwitz; it is hard to imagine that anyone could have escaped. Yet some did. Ryan Jenkins penned this ebook that focuses on two such escapes. The first demonstrated the will to survive and tell the world about what was happening in Nazi-controlled Poland with the mass deportation of Eastern European Jews. The second escape occurred with a revolt in which prisoners lived or died with nothing to lose.What was interesting is the introduction to the book; that is; the author notes that while the prisoners and survivors of camps like Auschwitz were experts due to their experiences; their reports were not always first-hand. This is because their access was limited. They could report on the hearsay of soldiers guarding them or the feedback from those who had access to other parts of the camp; but they were not full; primary experts. Regardless; their stories remind readers that preparation; not panic; is the key to their survival.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great read!By AJohn1776As many of Jenkins's books; "Auschwitz Greatest Escape;" is yet another historical book filled with great information. The Holocaust; one of the most horrible atrocities to be recorded in modern history has always brought me to near tears when I research about it. Jenkins produces a heavy-fact laden research that will have those who are buffs; novice; and all those who are in-between. I rather enjoyed reading through the book; while looking at the historical pictures; of both at-the-moment; and present-day photos; including escape maps that remind me of the Underground Railroad that helped the slaves escape slave masters and their patrols. What's unique; compared to some of the research I've put into this quagmire is that there are private letters and narrations in this book; detailing the harrowing escape of those imprisoned. This is another great book that everyone should pick up and read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A stirring experienceBy Anindya BasuEscaping from a Nazi camp is probably one of the most fantastical and daredevil act one could think of. No action packed movie would be able to afford the kind of thrill and suspense that these stories give. Of course we should not forget that it happened in real life and there was a lot of danger and the risk of losing life associated with it.This ebook deals mainly with the escape of two prisoners from Nazi camps and of other survivors. In all the gruesome details about the Holocaust; this topic about escape of the prisoners seems to be a positive one. But as you read through the book and through the details; you realize there is something much more compelling than the element of heroism in the story. It is about ruthless determination to never give up in the face of grave opposition. But most importantly it is about the will to live against all odds – an essentially human trait. It is also probably the reason why the book stirs you up so thoroughly!
