The Private Journal of William Reynolds: United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

by William Reynolds, Nathaniel Philbrick, Thomas L. Philbrick

One of the finest nineteenth-century first-person narratives of a sea voyage in existence, and a principle source for Sea of Glory, The Private Journal of William Reynolds brings to life the boisterous world traversed by the six vessels that comprised America's first ocean-going voyage of discovery, the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842. With great eloquence and verve Midshipman William Reynolds describes the harrowing 87,000-mile, four-year circuit of the globe, and relates the story of how the abusive commander of the Ex. Ex., Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, gradually lost the support of his crew. With a seaman's understanding and an artist's appreciation for the wild beauty that surrounds him, the Journal is a tour de force combining meticulous observations with a young man's sense of wonder and, on occasion, terror as he is tossed about by the tremendous seas.
 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 26, 2004

Reviews

[Steven Latour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing narrative from a midshipman during the first scientific circumnavigation by the US back in the 1830’s. Sparse in some details as any personal log would be, but capturing many memorable moments during this hazardous and arduous time. A must-read for anyone interested in the age of sail.

[AB · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that might just be my favourite naval based book I've read. It combines the more literary and picturesque styles of Melvilles books, especially Typee, Omoo, and White jacket with Henry Dana jrs more autobiographical retelling in his Two years before the mast. What completes this book is that while Reynolds main goal is to describe his time at sea you get hints about the mind of the writer
As for a Naval novel, this book has it all, tyrannical captain, storms off of Cape Horn, near death experiences and the Eden like descriptions of the South Pacific and it's peoples.
The only reason for me to not give it a 5 star rating is due to the editors choices. I for one would have greatly enjoyed hearing of Reynolds experiences in ports that the editors deem "common in 19th century travel writing"

[Phyllis Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given as a gift by my teenager, who knows my love of travel and stories all too well! The book gets very technical but is a travel adventure of four years that show a great deal of what life aboard ships was like, good and bad. Very exciting at the end.

[Michael O'Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As historic journals go, this was a very enjoyable description of the daily life on the ships of the US Exploring Expedition of 1838-42. From new discoveries, surviving hurricanes, warring with cannibals, and the intriguing life of mid 19th century naval life, this book kept me fairly engaged. It was also interesting to see how Reynolds improved on his storytelling as the journal progressed over time. At times the journal kept you on the edge of your seat. Of course, one draw back from most journals is their are some slow movements along the way.

[Ryesnake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alittle slow in the begining but got better in time. Glad to finish.