The Crossing: The Curious Story of the First Man to Swim the English Channel

by Kathy Watson

The author illuminates the life of Matthew Webb--the first man to swim the English channel--and explores the consequences of his resulting fame on his life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 4, 2001

About the author

Kathy Watson is a chef and author. But she wasn't always. Before opening her two restaurants and writing her first books, she spent twenty years as a journalist and public relations executive. Orphans of the Living is her debut novel.

In her previous life, she was press secretary to the Oregon State Senate Democrats, and director of communications for two state agencies. She served a brief (but disastrous) stint as press secretary to the mayor of Portland, Bud Clark. She was also editor-in-chief of Oregon Business magazine for six years. In 1998, she started a media relations firm with her husband and fellow writer, Stu Watson.

In 2004, she said goodbye to all that and became the chef and owner of Viento in Bingen, Washington, and the acclaimed Nora's Table in Hood River, Oregon.

In addition to Orphans of the Living, she has written a memoir, Last Morning at Nora's Table, slated to be published by She writes press on Feb. 9, 2027, and is at work on a second novel, Heart of the Monster.

Her community activities include serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children.

Kathy attended the University of Oregon School of Journalism, but left one term shy of graduation to take her first newspaper job. Her son Max is a teacher in New Zealand, and her daughter Annie owns a breakfast food truck.

She lives in Hood River, OR and runs and hikes the trails of the Columbia River Gorge with her dog Satchel, and husband Stu.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The immortal Glory of the First Channel Swim. The Waste of The drowning at Niagara. To quote her last line it “reminds us of the fine line between heroism and folly” Excellent book.

[Percival Milani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply the best reference book to understand the facts that led Webb to accomplish his historical deed. An incredibly detailed story. The title of the edition I read was slightly different: "The crossing: the glorious tragedy of the first man to swim the English Channel" - I think my version fits better to his story.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was engagingly written and well paced. It was an easy and entertaining read, and it was very informative.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story of an English man, the first man to swim the English Channel and his chase of fame and money. Sadly, he died when trying to swim the river of whirlpools at Niagara Falls, New York.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You feel like you are swimming right there alongside Webb as he makes his several attempts and finally finishes the challenge. Unfortunately that seems to have been the crowning achievement of his life. The rest of his life is spent pathetically trying to earn a living by making dares to do things, like swim in a tank for days straight. Eventually he goes to the US and tries his luck in some open water races, nothing spectacular. The end is just sad, and I'm left with the question - did he honestly have the arrogance to think he could swim that whirlpool, or did he know deep down that he'd never make it?

[Karyl · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at Matthew Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel. Written by a woman who has swum the Channel herself, she gives insight into how a long-distance swimmer feels after hours of pushing himself through cold, choppy water, until the swimmer's mind and body are at its limit. After his amazing feat, however, Webb was unable to continue to make a success of himself and eventually turned to performing gimmicks and tricks just to earn some cash. The ending is really quite tragic -- such a sad end for the man who single-handedly made swimming a popular sport in the UK.

[Karen Okamoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Webb was the first person to swim the English Channel in 1875. Like Houdini he challenged himself throughout his life, until ultimately it led to his death. Strangely, if you read about Houdini, you can see many similarities; such as the tremendous drive, the competitive nature, the need to up the ante in order to remain well known and famous, as well as earn the money to provide while doing these extreme things. Very good.

[Vincent T. Ciaramella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really had a good time reading this book. I love Victorian sports and this was another great book in a long line of books I've read. What gets me is how he descended mania not too long after his famous crossing. It's sad really how fame can destroy a person. I wonder if Web was a better self promoter maybe things wouldn't have ended up like they did.

I don't want to say more and spoil anything. I will read this again sometime in the future.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book about the fist person to ever swim across the English Channel. Captain Mathew Webb lead and exciting life but sadly it ended in tragedy. The author did a great job of pulling sources together to put together a picture of Webb's life.

[Avril · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author knows her stuff about the English Channel. She's a Channel swimmer herself. Although this is a highly entertaining read, it's also a tragic one.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting background into his life and channel swimming in general. Ending is somewhat sad and dull.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice thing about this book is you can skim it and get the jist.

[John Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Captain Webb, a man with massive muscles and a heroic ambition to match his huge moustache. Well told story of the first person to swim the channel back in 1875.