Captain Marooner

by Louis Bennett Davidson, Eddie Doherty

Thunderous sea yarn based upon one of the most violent mutinies in America's maritime history. Fifteen-year-old Quaker named George Comstock boarded the whaling vessel Globe on December 15, 1822 where his older brother Sam was boat steerer. These New England youngsters came to know the excitement, the danger and suspense involved in capturing a whale. But they also discovered the brutal, sadistic nature of Captain Worth, who reveled in flogging his crew. From the day they sighted shipwrecked Joe Thomas, who was later marooned on a deserted Pacific island, mutiny threatened the ship. On to Valparaiso, Chile, and the Sandwich Islands they sailed with tension mounting until Quaker Sam Comstock, a selfish handsome rogue, struck leaving a trail of blood.
Includes listing of actual officers and crew.

Genres: Historical Fiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1952

Reviews

[Mickey Bits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still cannot believe that no one has yet turned the story of the Comstock / Globe Mutiny into an HBO or Showtime miniseries. Perhaps this story was better known in the 50s. It is fictionalized here by Louis B. Davidson and Eddie Doherty. The back story of the mutineer's brother is plausible and interesting. You'll have a fun time separating fact from fiction... if you can.

I recommend you read "Demon of the Waters: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Whaleship Globe" by Gregory Gibson and the relevant chapters from "Rascals in Paradise" by Michener. You'll have to get "Captain Marooner" via inter-library loan or on eBay. You'll thank me later.

Open Pandora's Box and enjoy!

[Alyssa Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many great quotes from this book. It was a wonderful, thought provoking, stirring, and even humorous story. The authors had the ability to pull from archives, testimonies, and journal entries which made the story more potent and dangerous. I will thoroughly enjoy reading this again.

"It is a tragedy for one to survive a tragedy and harbor it forever in the mind.

.....

To become kings by making slaves of others"

[Master Chief · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shockingly underappreciated book that anyone feeling sorry for themselves should read.
I don't want to spoil anything, but the story is essentially the classic hero's journey: a boy becomes a man. A youth becomes an adult. Through horror and trauma, a youth is broken and reformed into something stronger and more resilient. I myself fear the open ocean, and do not sail. But after reading this bloody tale, maybe, just maybe, I'll go whale watching.