Shipwreck of the Whale-ship Essex


Read by Phil Schempf

(4.5 stars; 89 reviews)

Owen Chase (October 7, 1797 – March 7, 1869) was First Mate of the whale ship Essex, that was struck and sunk by a sperm whale on October 28, 1820. Chase wrote about the incident in Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-Ship Essex. This book, published in 1821, would inspire Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick. (Summary from Wikipedia) (2 hr 30 min)

Chapters

To The Reader 2:48 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter One - The Outbound Voyage 13:14 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Two - The Wreck 21:00 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part I, November 21-22 16:38 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part II, November 23-30 15:15 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part III, December 1-14 19:33 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part IV, December 15-22 20:58 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part V, December 23-January 7 11:10 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part VI, January 10-24 15:47 Read by Phil Schempf
Chapter Three, Part VII, January 25 to Conclusion 14:19 Read by Phil Schempf

Reviews

Shipwreck of the Essex


(4 stars)

Raw realism of survival. The rudimentary darkness of staying alive. Easy to see how this was the basis for Moby Dick. A no sugar coating must read if you have the stomach. Well read in direct empathetic way.

sinking ship - deserted island - cannibalism


(5 stars)

what a good TRUE story. the reader is perfect. a short book but worth every minute to listen. this book does not tie up all the loose ends (such as the 3 men on the island - the book makes it seem like they didnt survive but they did FOR A YEAR). so i recommend also reading the cabin boys version of events (the other survivor in this mans boat) or read the Wikipedia account of it. it is not as gruesome as the other review makes it out to be. yes they are dieing or hunger & thirst, eat things raw, and eat humans - but it is not discussed in heavy detail. its more about what went through his mind and made his decision. personally i would have stayed on the island! what would you choose?

May these souls rest in peace


(5 stars)

How unpredictable life is, how strong the will is, there are tests and there are strengths. as is fate, as is endurance. On one hand God made us mortal on the other hand he gave us redemption, if he sank us, he baptized too. Truth is stranger than fiction, May these souls rest in peace


(4 stars)

Such an epic ordeal. It brings to mind the value? The treasure that life. hope and companionship hold for us all. Thanks to the other reviews, and the recommended further listening/reading.


(5 stars)

Engrossing memoir, and a very good reader. I couldn’t ask for more.