Books Like...
White Jacket by Herman Melville is a detailed and immersive account of life aboard a man-of-war frigate in the United States Navy during the 1840s. The book delves into the minutiae of daily life on the ship, including the organization, professions, routines, and rituals of the crew. Melville's writing style is described as factual, complete, and detailed, painting a vivid picture of the challenges, hardships, and social dynamics experienced by the crew members. The book also touches on themes of oppression, abuse of power, and the horrors of flogging, ultimately leading to the abolition of the practice in the navy.
If you liked White Jacket, here are the top 5 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Omoo by Herman Melville is a sequel to Typee, following the adventures of an American sailor in Polynesia. The narrator escapes from the Typee and boards a whaling ship, encountering a crew of rascals and poor living conditions. The story delves into the mutinous thoughts of the sailors, their eventual arrival in Tahiti, and the exploration of nearby islands. Melville's writing style is described as honest, intelligent, and observant, providing a window into the clash of cultures between Europeans and Polynesians, ultimately leading to the demise of the natives' traditional way of life.
It was in the middle of a bright tropical afternoon that we made good our escape from the bay. The vessel we sought lay with her main-topsail aback about a league from the land, and was the only objec... - #2
Save:Typee by Herman Melville is a novel based on the author's experiences when he jumped ship from an American whaling vessel and found himself in the Marquesas Islands. The book presents a narrative of being held by a cannibal tribe, the Typee, and offers a detailed look at island life through the eyes of the protagonist. Melville's writing style combines themes of peace, beauty, and sensuality with a critique of Western intruders, creating a nuanced portrayal of the earthly paradise that gradually turns into a tale of dread, loneliness, and fear.
Six months at sea! Yes, reader, as I live, six months out of sight of land; cruising after the sperm-whale beneath the scorching sun of the Line, and tossed on the billows of the wide-rolling Pacific—... - #3
Save:Herman Melville's novella 'Benito Cereno' is a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and perception, set against the backdrop of a slave ship in distress. The narrative follows Captain Amasa Delano as he encounters the peculiar behavior of Captain Benito Cereno and the enslaved Africans aboard the San Dominick. Through Delano's eyes, the story unfolds, revealing themes of trust, deception, and the questioning of societal attitudes towards slavery. Melville's writing style, characterized by detailed descriptions and historical commentary, transports readers to a time when the issue of slavery was a contentious topic.
In the year 1799, Captain Amasa Delano, of Duxbury, in Massachusetts, commanding a large sealer and general trader, lay at anchor, with a valuable cargo, in the harbour of St. Maria—a small, desert, u... - #4
Save:The opinions on 'Billy Budd' by Herman Melville provide a mixed perspective on the book. Some readers appreciate the classic nature of the story, describing it as a beautifully written look at life below decks in the British Navy during the early 1800s. The book delves into the tough choices and discipline required among the fighting forces, with the threat of mutiny looming on the minds of ship captains. Despite the wordy style of writing typical of Herman Melville, readers find that the plot of Billy Budd moves along swiftly, making them contemplate deeper aspects of human nature.
- #5
Save:The Sea Wolf by Jack London is a thrilling sea adventure story that follows the journey of Humphrey Van Weyden, a gentleman who is rescued from a shipwreck and forced to join a crew of seal hunters aboard the ship Ghost, captained by the brutal and intelligent Wolf Larsen. The novel delves into themes of survival, morality, and the clash between intellect and brute force, all set against the backdrop of life at sea. The book is known for its vivid descriptions of nautical life and the complex relationship between the main characters as they navigate the challenges of the high seas.
Iscarcely know where to begin, though I sometimes facetiously place the cause of it all to Charley Furuseth’s credit. He kept a summer cottage in Mill Valley, under the shadow of Mount Tamalpais, and ...
