Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People

by Nathaniel Philbrick

The history of Nantucket Island has too often been reduced to a collection of quaint legends and warmed-over whaling tales. In contrast, Nathaniel Philbrick's Away off Shore focuses on the real people (great and obscure, famous and infamous) behind one of America's most extraordinary success stories: Nantucket, the tiny island that became the whaling capital of the world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Audiobook, Travel, United States, Historical

273 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

About the author

Philbrick was Brown’s first Intercollegiate All-American sailor in 1978; that year he won the Sunfish North Americans in Barrington, RI; today he and his wife Melissa sail their Beetle Cat Clio and their Tiffany Jane 34 Marie-J in the waters surrounding Nantucket Island.

After grad school, Philbrick worked for four years at Sailing World magazine; was a freelancer for a number of years, during which time he wrote/edited several sailing books, including Yaahting: A Parody (1984), for which he was the editor-in-chief; during this time he was also the primary caregiver for his two children. After moving to Nantucket in 1986, he became interested in the history of the island and wrote Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People. He was offered the opportunity to start the Egan Maritime Institute in 1995, and in 2000 he published In the Heart of the Sea, followed by Sea of Glory, in 2003, and Mayflower. He is presently at work on a book about the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Mayflower was a finalist for both the 2007 Pulitzer Prize in History and the Los Angeles Times Book Award and was winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for nonfiction. In the Heart of the Sea won the National Book Award for nonfiction; Revenge of the Whale won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award; Sea of Glory won the Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize and the Albion-Monroe Award from the National Maritime Historical Society. Philbrick has also received the Byrne Waterman Award from the Kendall Whaling Museum, the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for distinguished service from the USS Constitution Museum, the Nathaniel Bowditch Award from the American Merchant Marine Museum, the William Bradford Award from the Pilgrim Society, the Boston History Award from the Bostonian Society, and the New England Book Award from the New England Independent Booksellers Association.

from his website

Reviews

[Darwin8u · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book on the island of Nantucket
With chapters all made to half-share it.
Philbrick penned bios real fast,
'bout Pokanokets & the Quaker caste,
"I'll either be Egan's peon, or I'll lay it."



I've been a fan of Nantucket for years. Remotely. The last couple years I've been out a couple times to the Whale Museum, etc., and biking with my family East along Polpis Rd to the Sankaty Head Light and back to the Straight Warf along Milestone Rd. I've not yet bought those funky Nantucket Red shorts, but that is only a temporary limitation. My interest was first kindled by Moby-Dick, and later by Philbrick's book about the Whaleship Essex (that inspired Moby-Dick). I've grown to enjoy Philbrick's style as a popular biographer, so figured I might as well read this early book about an Island I love and a people who are fascinating to me.

This was Philbrick's first book, and as the title basically suggests, it is about the island (and mostly people) of Nantucket. Written as a series of biographical essays of important historical figures, this approach allows Philbrick to explore the character and people of Nantucket through selected examples through time. This approach leaves many gaps, but for a subject like Nantucket, there will always be gaps and myths to contend with.

Some of those Philbrick covers in this book:

1. Mashop, Roqua, Wonoma, Autopscot
2. Thomas Macy
3. Tristram Coffin
4. King Philip, JOhn Gibbs, Peter Folger
5. James Coffin, John Gardner
6. Ichabod Paddock
7. Mary Starbuck
8. Richard Macy
9. Timothy White
10. Peter Folger
11. Kezia Coffin
12. Jethro Coffin & William Rotch
13. William Coffin
14. Obed Starbuck & George Pollard
15. Absalom Boston & Abram Quary
16. Maria Mitchell
17. FC Sanford

[Jason Koivu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great bit of history from Nathaniel Philbrick! Now, clearly you're reading this because you have a deep interest in Nantucket. Otherwise, why are you reading this? Philbrick stays very on-topic throughout. Boston, New York and even Martha's Vineyard come into play only when they absolutely pertain to Nantucket. Lots of fun stories herein for history buffs, including the infamous Essex whaling expedition that resulted in cannibalism and Moby Dick.

[Micah Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading In the Heart of the Sea I was curious to know more about the island of Nantucket, and Nathaniel Philbrick has provided the perfect book to satisfy my curiosity. In, Away Off Shore Philbrick presents a wonderful panorama of the history of the island, from its formation some twenty thousand years ago to its first inhabitants, all the way to its rise as the whaling capital of the world in the mid-nineteenth century. Much attention is given to the leading families of the island's past, the Coffins, the Chases, and the Folgers. The two biggest influences on the islands were the introduction of whaling and Quakerism, the bedrock of the Nantucket culture well through the end of the nineteenth century.

I very much enjoyed learning about the fascinating history of the island and its people. While Away Off Shore won't provide you with the same adrenaline rush as In the Heart of the Sea might have, it is the perfect book for diving into the history and culture of an incredibly remarkable island.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got about 75% of the way with this one before calling it quits. It's been sitting on my nightstand for way too long and I've simply lost interest. Don't get me wrong, it's actually a very good book for historical buffs. Philbrick makes history interesting with side stories and tidbits that make it come alive. For me though, this was way more history than I needed on Nantucket. I do recommend this book if you plan on visiting or if you want more in depth information on Nantucket.

[Joanne Fate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this 4.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't allow half stars! This is Nathaniel Philbrick’s first history book. It’s an engrossing history of Nantucket Island told through a series of individuals. The books begins with the first white settlers and ends with the last of the Island’s whaling industry in 1890. I knew there were Native Americans there before and after the new colonists arrived, but I knew very little about them, now more.

I’ve done a lot of reading on whaling, yet knew little of the early days. This book makes me want ro find out more about the start of the whaling industry in general, not just on Nantucket. As a descendant of one of Nantucket's most famous whaling families, I feel cheated that my ancestor didn’t move to the island with his father, leaving me with scant Nantucket heritage. I picked this for a reading challenge prompt of an activity on my bucket list. Visiting Nantucket is on my very short list. I’m hoping to go in 2026. Whether you’ve ever been or not, or have ancestors from there, this is an excellent history worth reading. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Scott Brick. He did an excellent job.

[Robert Melnyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book on the history of Nantucket Island, with a lot of detail about the various families that contributed to its development. However, I did not think it was nearly as interesting or as well written as some of his other books I have read, including "In the Heart of the Sea", "Sea of Glory", or "Mayflower." If you are a history fan, it is worth the read, especially since it is very short, but his other books were far better.

[John Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read five other histories by Philbrick and greatly enjoyed everyone. This book, his first, is about the local history of Nantucket Island. A must read for the local folks and summer visitors. Not for those seeking broader history of New England. I did much more enjoy the latter portion involving the whaling trade and the Quakers.

[Marie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book, especially to me as many of the people mentioned are my 8th, 9th and 10th great grandparents!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read, with lots of fascinating stories. I wanted an overview before visiting Nantucket for the first time, and this was great for that.

[Ted Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short (250 or so pages) book about the history of Nantucket Island was journalist Nathaniel Philbrick's first history book, and it proved to be such a success that he went on to write a handful of others, most of which I have read. In fact, one of the episodes of this book about Nantucket became a full-fledged Philbrick narrative (and then a movie) called "Heart of the Sea," which described a disastrous whaling journey in the early 19th century that originated on the island. "Away Off Shore" begins its story in an era when the island was inhabited by natives, whose word for "away off shore" gave the island its name. The book describes the arrival of its first white settlers in the mid-17th century and examines the evolution of the relationship between the two early groups of inhabitants. Obviously, the emergence of the whaling industry is front and center of the story of the island, and the reader emerges with a pretty good overview of the history of this once essential industry and the way that it shaped the fortunes of Nantucket. The unique religious nature of the island's white inhabitants (literally an island of Quakers in the sea of New England Puritans) is discussed, as well as the characteristics of the island's social system and its tenuous economic position during the wars with Great Britain. Sadly, for the island and its inhabitants, their star was in decline by the mid-19th century. A tremendous fire destroyed much of the harbor town, the California Gold Rush took away many of its young men and its ships, and the construction of larger ocean-going ships meant that the island's sandbar-guarded harbor was no longer accessible to many of the newest vessels. (And all of these things took place before the Rockefeller-led petroleum boom of the post-Civil War era meant that a much cheaper fuel than whale oil was readily available.) In the end, the island took a turn down what was probably the only route left to it: tourism. Philbrick makes use of a lot of primary source materials left behind by the island's early inhabitants, and my one complaint is that the availability of these materials at times is what drives the narrative. We learn a lot about some figures, not necessarily based on their centrality to Nantucket's story, but rather because their individual story is available. But this is a minor complaint about an otherwise interesting and fast-moving narrative.

[Carl Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is, I suppose, a truism that the exception proves the rule—and even if it doesn’t exactly provide proof, it at least reinforces the concept. I’ve long been a fan of Philbrick’s history. His books are well researched and engagingly written.

This, though it began with promise, not so much. The first chapters of this history of Nantucket are typical of his approach (and, by the way, make an excellent companion to a highly recommended ‘young adult’ novel, _Caleb’s Crossing_ by Geraldine Brooks) He slides off the mark after that.

In the spirit of transparency I do, indeed, have a heavy bias of positivity toward the Religious Society of Friends. I do, but holy mackerel. In his first descriptions of Quakers on the island he is objective and if harsh, not inaccurate. But over the discussion of their presence and cultural control on the island he slides from harsh to down right derogatory—to the point of lightly passing over any positive attributes or behaviors to grind on about their failings. And while I cannot deny those failings some balance would have been appreciated by this Friend. This was in start contrast to the whaling industry and the captains of whalers. Those he romanticizes to the point of a sweet nostalgia. When combined with the third retelling of the plight of the sailors on the _Essex_, (The other two,_Why Read Moby Dick_ and _In the Heart of the Sea_ , are highly recommended.) enough already.

So, if you're staying in the library and trying to decide between this and another Nathaniel Philbrick history my best advice is to pick the other.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know all that much about Nantucket before starting this book, and while I've been to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard, I've never visited the island "away off shore." I was curious, however, because I'm a descendant of one of its earliest white founder proprietors, Tristram Coffin, who purchased the island (with others) in 1659. This isn't saying all that much: there may well be a million of us at this point. Indeed, even in his lifetime he was called the "grandfather of us all."

The book is written in a pretty breezy way, which was enjoyable, and I appreciated Philbrick's aim to take down some of the more foolish myths about Nantucket being nothing but a haven of cooperation and religious and racial equality centered around an always-profitable whalefishery. Each chapter is largely structured around one character, and they move the reader through time from the early seventeenth to the late nineteenth century. There was, however, sometimes an excessive amount of detail, but I suspect I would have enjoyed it more had I actually ever visited Nantucket. Some day...

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nantucket is one of my favorite vacation spots in the world, so this book was intriguing. The history is interesting, focusing on the family names that have dominated the islands history, like Coffins, Folgers, and Starbucks. Yes, the Starbuck family that ultimately became a character in Moby Dick and the inspiration for the giant coffee company.

One frustration with this book is that the author refers to several island landmarks throughout the book, by their historical names. I would have appreciated a map as another point of reference.

[John Michael McGuinness · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best introduction to the history of this fascinating island. Philbrick does an amazing job of telling the story of the island by focusing attention on key individuals. The book does not go up to modern times, ending at about the beginning of the transition from whaling port to resort destination in the second half the 19th century. It does begin with the glacial beginnings and native stories of the formation of the island. A must read for anyone interested in Nantucket.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Nathaniel Philbrick's first book and, not surprisingly, not his best. However, while reading the book, it was easy to see why he became one of my favorite authors. His ability to find interesting facts other historians may have missed and the way he relates these facts in a way that is more interesting than many other authors comes through clearly. The book is an enjoyable one to read and doesn't get weighed down by the incredible amount of detail included.

[Peggie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Being a series of stories about individual people, it is one which is easy to pick up and read in short spurts. Yet, that said, there is also the cohesion of being chronological as well as the fact that the small population meant that families track through the entire book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't write about the history of Nantucket without discussing the Quakers who made the little island into a giant in the whaling industry. Philbrick does this. When whaling went into decline several of these Quakers made migrations to other places such as Kendal, Ohio, which became my hometown Massillon. That's why this book captured my attention.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised that it took me so long to get to this one. I've read most of Philbrick's other books and loved. (Mayflower was particularly good.) The island has a unique and fascinating, sometimes whacky, history. This is Philbrick's home turf and his book provides a unique slice of the American story.

[Jack Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

If you want to read about Nantucket, this book does the job well. Author is very descriptive without needless big words. Gave only four stars not five, because, I didn't find it captivating enough to recommend to those who aren't interested in Nantucket.

[Tom Jenckes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible. I wish you guys could integrate with them.
The book was ok. I leaned a few things. I heard about a lot of history.
I had a positive view of the Quakers. This book changed that.
The narrator was ok, too.

[Nate Caress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely related and easily digestible, this book of short histories of Nantucket people epitomizes easy - yet not insubstantial - summer/beach reading.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history book about Nantucket Island and Massachusetts in the 17th through 19th centuries. Nantucket had a significant influence on many aspects of American history for close to 200 years.

[Tom Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough history of early Nantucket up to about 1890.

[James McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly fascinating history of Nantucket and its people.

[Jonathan Hamel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great local history book

[John Brekke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nantucket is a super interesting microcosm of different trends from American History.

[Mitch Towne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow at first, but once I got familiar with the main family names it read like a novel.

[Grommit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly 300 years of history, with overlapping story lines helping to carry the story. A story that says that nothing lasts forever.
Farming and animal husbandry dominated the early timeframes. Native American Indians split the island (Wampanoag, Algonquin, Kauds and Taumkods). There were interesting interactions with the newly arrived whites before the 1760s epidemic nearly wiped out the Indians.
The revolutionary war era left Nantucket in a pickle: how to protect the island and its sea-faring resources, while working around both sides. This also popped up during the War of 1812.
It was the globe-spanning whaling industry that set the narrative for about 100 years, before the source of whales began drying up and the petroleum oil business took over. Nantucketers developed ship building, whale hunting, and oil processing. But, in time, even these businesses played out, (especially the side-story of the California gold rush and its impact on sailing ships) leaving...tourism (which was lucrative, and, some might say, annoyed the wealthy islanders).
Visiting Nantucket? This is definitely a valuable historic source for your visit. And make sure you visit Mitchell's book store.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Away Off Shore: Nantucket Island and it’s people 1602-1890 by Nathaniel Philbrick
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An interesting micro history of the early days of Nantucket Island, broken up into multiple short stories of the most influential people that left their mark in history on the island that is “Away off shore”. Unlike mainland New England that had strict religious rules, money and enterprise was the rule in the independent nation of Nantucket. We learn of the relationship between the natives and the newcomer Englishmen, the ebbs and flows of the whaling industry, the religious squabbles between the island quakers and everyone else and stories of independent thinking women and the islands free black community. The Nantucket of today that we all know, with the rich and famous enjoying their summer resort, is the complete opposite of the islands hardscrabble and gritty past.

Overall my least favorite book of Nathaniel Philbrick, but that is only because it is on a super specific topic that would really only have great appeal to someone with a personal connection to the island. That is not to say that there is no saving grace to the book since it is well written, super informative and I did enjoy many of the anecdotes within. For me this was a swing and a miss, a three out of five stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nantucket is a kind of microcosm of America, though sometimes differing sharply from the continent as when they sat out the Revolutionary War. This book is a fascinating tour of colonial, racial, economic, and industrial history, as playing out on an island reflecting the technologies, skills, and empires surrounding it from the 17th - 19th centuries.

I was fascinated by the cyclical step-wise nature of the fishery's progress over time, reciprocally dependent and influencing of ship-making, energy, and other generational forms of knowledge. The industry grew and grew, and then collapsed as oil, other more profitable fisheries, and various forces majeures supplanted it in the late 19th century. This is a lesson for all involved in business or investing.

Of note: "It was not the rise of petroleum that killed Nantucket . . . it was the sandbar at its harbor mouth. As the ships got bigger, the bar that had simply been a nuisance in the old days became a major obstacle to prosperity, requiring the ships regularly go to Edgartown to off-load their oil - an expensive and time-consuming process." pg. 242

Worth reading for all who love US history, or New England itself.