Boon Island: A True Story of Mutiny, Shipwreck, and Cannibalism

by Andrew Vietze, Stephen Erickson

The wreck of the Nottingham Galley on Boon Island and the resultant rumors of insurance fraud, mutiny, treason, and cannibalism was one of the most sensational stories of the early 18th century. Shortly after departing England with Captain John Deane at the helm, his brother Jasper and another investor aboard, and a skeleton crew, the ship encountered French privateers on her way to Ireland, where she then lingered for weeks picking up cargo. They eventually headed into the North Atlantic later in the season than was reasonably safe and found themselves shipwrecked on the notorious Boon Island, just off the New England coast. Captain Deane offered one version of the events that led them to the barren rock off the coast of Maine; his crew proposed another. The story contains mysteries that endure to this day, yet no contemporary non-fiction account of the story exists. In the hands of skilled storytellers Andrew Vietze and Stephen Erickson, this becomes a historical adventure-mystery that will appeal to readers of South and The Perfect Storm. 

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Nautical, Survival

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Andrew Vietze is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the critically acclaimed This Wild Land (2021), White Pine (2017), Boon Island (Globe Pequot, 2012), and Becoming Teddy Roosevelt (Down East, 2010). Publishers Weekly called Boon Island “a maritime whodunit rife with twists and turns and high drama;” The Portsmouth Herald dubbed it “superb. . . both a well-researched history and a page-turning mystery that begs to be a motion picture.” Co-written with historian Stephen Erickson, it was an Amazon #1 bestseller (US history), won a gold medal at the Independent Publisher Book Awards, was an IndieFab Book of the Year Finalist, and was featured on the hit Travel Channel program “Monumental Mysteries” in June of 2014. Becoming Teddy Roosevelt also won an IPPY, was a Book of the Year Finalist, and was the inspiration for Coastal Maine Botanical Garden's new program for middle schoolers, the Lunder New Naturalists, which is now part of the curriculum at 20 Maine schools. The book was formally honored by decree of the Maine State Legislature in 2010, hailed as “so symbolic of the spirit and unique character of Maine.”

Vietze got his start at the Maine Times in the early 90s, and, in addition to his books, he's written for a wide array of clients, including: NASA, New York Times' LifeWire, Weather.com's “Forecast Earth”, Crawdaddy, Time Out New York, Explore, Big Sky Journal, AMC Outdoors, Popmatters, and American Songwriter. A Registered Maine Guide, he splits his time between his off-grid home in the forest of Waldo County and a cabin in the woods of Baxter State Park, where he works as a seasonal ranger. Find out more at www.andrewvietze.com.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being shipwrecked on a rock in the north Atlantic in winter is near the bottom of my "to do" list. And I can't say I'm dying to try cannibalism either. But this was still a pretty interesting read. I do agree with some of the other reviews that say the author spent to much time on the events after the sailors rescue, but I also don't know how many details they actually have about the events on Boon Island. But considering several of the men involved wrote pamphlets or books about their experience, you would think there could have been more about the wreck and events on Boon Island. Maybe because of the contradicting stories and battle over what really happened made it hard to write a book when you don't really know which person was actually telling the truth. But if you have a interest in maritime history, you should enjoy the book. I did.

[jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too much about the cannibalism, mostly about what happened when they returned to England. Although that was very interesting on how society worked

[Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating examination of a tragedy—but what caused that tragedy? The authors succinctly explore three theories alongside the horrific details of the shipwreck, physical agony in the brutal cold, and eventual cannibalism.

[~ Cheryl ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~This is the story of the English merchant vessel, the Nottingham Galley, carrying goods bound for Boston, in late summer 1710.

~It’s the story of its eventual shipwreck on “Boon Island”, 6 miles off the coast of Maine, in the midst of a nor’easter in December of that year.

~It’s the story of the 14-man crew that fought for survival on that rocky, soil-less island no bigger than about a hundred square yards.

Why did it take them so long to reach New England?
Why risk traveling the Atlantic during the harsh winter months?
How did they get off course?

Ultimately, in answering those questions and exploring others, this is the story of the ship’s captain John Deane.


I absolutely loved this bit of maritime history. Shipwreck stories from centuries gone by always interest me. Sea-faring vessels are microcosms. I’m fascinated by the temporary, isolated, “small community” life on board a ship, and the ways that the community – and its individual members – changes in the face of such dire adversity. But the Boon Island story has multiple added layers besides the “who, what, when, and where.”

The main details are gripping indeed: The shipwreck itself; the desolate, unforgiving environment of the island; the crew’s ordeal there in freezing temperatures; and their eventual rescue. The book’s subtitle --- A True Story of Mutiny, Shipwreck, and Cannibalism --- tells you a lot about what you’ll encounter here. But it doesn’t tell you that the best, most intriguing, parts of the story are in the details of the “why.”

This is a case where a true story is far better than any fiction could be. Authors Andrew Vietze and Stephen Erickson did a stellar job piecing together a clear and informative account of the events surrounding the Nottingham Galley and Boon Island. Highly recommended!

[Nick Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re at all worried about your reputation now, I implore you to write many books about how cool and smart you are so that historians will paint you as a hero of the 21st Century. Would have liked to spend more time on the island, but John Deane is exposed brilliantly as the rat he is in this book.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting story of the shipwreck, terrible ordeal, and ultimate cannibalism of sailors stranded on Boon Island, a completely barren chunk of rock several miles off the coast of Portsmouth, NH/Kittery, ME, for several weeks in Dec 1710/Jan 1711. Having grown up in Kittery, I've always known the "saga" of Boon Island, and I'd read the Kenneth Roberts' novel Boon Island many years ago. But this account is pure history and details the different versions of the story told by the captain vs. several of the sailors on the ship. A well-done (even with a number of typos and grammatical mistakes, always a problem for me) and informative account of the actual events and of the time period in which they took place. (As an example, I was surprised to learn that there were hundreds of "coffeehouses" in Great Britain in the 1700's and 1800's. I naively thought that everyone just drank alcohol in pubs back in those days. Who knew that people often got together to drink stimulating beverages in 18th century London??). On a personal level, I was surprised to be reminded that one of the major characters, the boatswain, shared my surname (not a common one). I'll have to investigate that issue further. But I'd recommend this one to any serious student of maritime disaster history.

[Bob Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boon Island has always captivated me, as I can see it from my home in Wells Beach, Maine. At night, I can see the lighthouse as it warns current day sailors. But the story of the HMS Nottingham Galley, back in December 1710 made the island famous. This ship was a merchant ship, built for cargo and speed. But it got wrapped up in questionable ownership in the summer season. It left England very late for Boston, tempting the North Atlantic during the fall and winter seasons and storms. It was in a storm, at night that the ship hit the island.
Prior to this, the current day was all about the fighting between England and France. Their navy’s, the pirates, the opportunists, it all drove ship captains to be very careful.
The story focused on the crew and captain. Both leading up to the shipwreck and afterwards. Very few perished and it was the story of the survivors, how they recovered in Portsmouth for this winter, how they then left to go back to England to “work again”
It was the captain against the crew. Whose story would be printed first and why did the stories not match, exactly. The captain went on to later be a part of the Russian navy as they did not know the stories and they were building up their navel power.
Good book, very historical

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and interesting read. It has two main strengths:

1. After significant research, the story was very well put together. Presenting all the information in the form of a story and then inserting various facts and information--medical information about frostbite; customs and culture of sailors in the early 1700's; etc.--to give the reader proper context. The authors (Vietze and Erickson) made it understandable and meaningful for the reader. When the authors were speculating (vs. sharing established historical facts) they made that clear to the reader as well.

2. The authors first present the captain's version of the shipwreck; then they present the opposing viewpoints of three of the crew members. This causes the reader to second guess what she thinks she knows after reading the captain's version of events, keeping the reader on her toes.

Whether you are a history buff or not (I am not), this is an intriguing read!

[Duke Lovetere · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would recommend buying the original book of bone Island written by Kenneth Robert. This new version is simply similar material and is not as well written as the original it is choppy in nature and tough to follow in my opinion. I am not a big fan of bands covering a song nor authors with books I would recommend buying the original book of Boon Island written by Kenneth Roberts. This new version is simply similar material and is not as well written as the original it is choppy in nature and tough to follow in my opinion. I am not a big fan of bands covering a song nor authors with books. old.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When cannibalism is the least interesting part of a book, then you know it's a gem. I love the way they set it up by generally getting straight to the shipwreck. Then it gets all post-modern and you have to sort out what really happened based on multiple published narratives by multiple parties who were there and it turns out there is much more to the story than a shipwreck. Many aspects of the people and London society and sea life of the time are delved into to get a fuller picture. It's not long at all but its quality over quantity. It's dense in the details but entertaining.

[Michael T.]

This is a short but intense visceral read. Its poignancy, for me, derives from knowing as I read the harrowing tale that it is based on actual events. Moreover, it takes place in our very own backyard if you will. My guess is something close to The Isle of Shoals. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful yarn for those who appreciate what our early ancestors endured, suffered, and sacrificed to help settle and shape this tough, unforgiving land.

[Steve Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Deane is one of the most enjoyably hateable villains you can find. In the end the thing you end up hating him for most is his lifespan. Take the worst bad-boss story you can imagine and multiply it by cannibalism.

The first half is a fairly standard shipwreck story. But stick with it and read the epilogue.

[Tom Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story very well detailed. Went on a boat tour out of Ogunquit, Maine and was shown Boon Island off in the distance. Next day saw this book in Fine Print Booksellers in Kennebunkport, Maine. Glad I bought the book.

[Della · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of repetition and the middle part was more history related than the ordeal of the shipwreck. Otherwise a good story but it left me with a feeling that some things were very exaggerated, which probably happens after time spent thinking about what actually happened.

[Jischmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a no-kidding harrowing history, very well-referenced. It is unbelievable what humans can endure. There is one disappointing character reveal about the author at the end, which knocked this rating down a notch.

[Zachary Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like making a bit of a mountain out of a molehill at points. The legal part was interesting but felt like a drawn out summary of it. Nonetheless a really captivating way to retell the horrific event. Made me physically uncomfortable reading, which is good i think

[Matthew J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.8 for research and writing, a little bit light (due to history) on some the details I like in a NF, this was more about his dispute post disaster and read like daytime television for dudes.

[Aris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring, boring, boring, dropped it halfway ......

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+. A good yarn!

[Evan Quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, engaging, and well-researched. Tells a harrowing story and its unexpected aftermath.

[Shannon Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sensational story for sure, but it kind of drags on and in the end you are left wondering whether you can believe any of what you have just read.

[Lora Levenseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Maine! Enjoyed it. Didn't love the ending. Historical.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book tells the story but the second left me questioning why some things made it into a book about Boon Island.

[Steve Bera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out stong, but then it devolves into trivia just too boring to read.

[Ashley Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story when it’s actually talking about the shipwreck. Not so much for the other 50% of the book.

[Dianne Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Boon Island,” authors Erickson and Vietze have breathed new life into the story of a lurid historical incident of cannibalism. In utilizing both the account originally provided by Captain John Deane as well as the conflicting ones of his three officers, they have created a compelling narrative a la Nathaniel Philbrick’s “In the Heart of the Sea.” Their book not only provides many obscure details of the Nottingham Galley shipwreck on Boon Island, Maine that are absent from other accounts, but also sheds light on the extreme challenges of seafaring in the early 18th century. A great book that brings history to life. I especially recommend it as a tool for seducing teenagers into loving history!

[Peter Galamaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of a shipwreck that occurred only an hour away from where I sat reading the story. Cannibalism, bravery, cowardice, scandal, and political intrigue are all a part of this true story. My one criticism is that I think that the details contained in the latter half of the book would have worked better if they had been interspersed in a flashback format through the story of the harrowing days on Boon Island.

[Ben Winthrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Fascinating story, and I love the way the authors almost wrote it like a mystery. Writing is fantastic and engaging which is a rare feat for historians and the pace and structure of the book is superb. In addition to this, the story is fascinating and goes well beyond the gruesome details of what happened on Boon Island, and into the realm of crooked businessmen and international intrigue

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well researched and well written true history of a shipwreck and survival off the coast of Maine. The story and characters were developed in detail. It was a page turner that was both ghastly and fascinating. I recommend this to those who love new takes on history.

[Techgurl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth a read if you enjoy seafaring tales of shipwrecks and adventure. Well written with some fun twists and turns. It's not overly fantastical and I enjoyed the references to original journals from those involved.