First published in 1821 and the inspiration for 'Moby Dick', this is an absolutely fascinating true story, detailing a subject that will make you wince, grimace and wonder. Owen Chase the author, was the First Mate aboard the Whaleship Essex, a ship that was rammed and sank by a whale, leaving 20 men fighting for their lives. Travelling back in time, in language, in livelihoods; this most definitely makes for an uncomfortable read at times. It’s worth having a map by your side, as the distance travelled by the men of the Essex is quite remarkable. This is a tale of ultimate survival that will no doubt leave you wondering what you would do, if left face to mesmerising face with death.
The film adaptation, starring Chris Hemsworth is released in the UK on Saturday 26 December 2015. Click below to view the trailer.
Beneath the Heart of the Sea The Sinking of the Whaleship Essex Synopsis
Discover the amazing true story behind the inspiration for Herman Melville's Moby Dick and the new feature film Heart of the Sea. A tragic yet riveting narration of life and death and man against the elements, Beneath the Heart of the Sea is an extreme account of shipwreck survival.
On the morning of November 20,1820, in the Pacific Ocean 2,000 miles from the coast of South America, an enraged sperm whale rammed the Nantucket whaleship Essex. As the boat began to sink, her crew of twenty, including first mate Owen Chase, grabbed what little they could before piling into frail boats and taking to the open seas. So began their four-month ordeal and struggle for survival. A bleak story, only eight men survived having endured starvation and dehydration, giving in to cannibalism, murder and insanity. Owen Chase recorded the extraordinary account in his autobiography, originally published in 1821, which Hesperus is proud to reissue in a stylish new edition. With the Hollywood film Heart of the Sea, directed by Ron Howard and featuring Chris Hemsworth in the role of Owen Chase hitting cinemas in March 2015, readers will be enthralled to discover the intense, original story behind the film.
'Testament to the extraordinary horrors that those men of the Essex suffered, out on the infinite deep' Daily Telegraph
Author
About Owen Chase
Owen Chase was born in Nantucket. First Mate on board the Essex, he was rescued from its wreckage on 18 February 1821. He was later appointed Captain of the Carroll in 1832 and was to undertake two trips to the South Pacific before his career came to an end. He died in March 1869, aged seventy-one.
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