The Lobster Gangs of Maine

by James M. Acheson

James Acheson’s detailed account of lobstering in Maine quickly dispels notions that the lobstermen is the eastern version of the cowboy, struggling alone for survival against the elements. In reality, he writes, “the lobster fisherman is caught up in a thick and complex web of social relationships. Survival in the industry depends as much on the ability to manipulate social relationships as on technical skills.” Acheson replaces our romantic image of the lobsterman with descriptions of the highly territorial and hierarchical “harbor gangs,” daily and annual cycles of lobstering, intricacies of marketing the catch, and the challenge of managing a communal resource.

Genres: Nonfiction, Anthropology, Environment

205 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1988

Reviews

[Boreal Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little bit of a stodgy read and I'm not sure it truely cuts it academically as an anthropological study
but lots of info and interesting to cruise the coast with him
I think some of those lobstermen may have lied to him

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acheson's seminal work on the lobstering communities of Maine is well written, though somewhat outdated, as it's over 20 years old. The surprising thing is that the technology is the only noticeable aspect that's amiss; descriptions of social hierarchies and practices are still pretty accurate. Although my favorite aspect of the book is the economical assessment of different territory defense tactics. Apparently a perimeter-defended fishing ground is the way to go...

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by lobstermen. These guys are the rugged individualists who must cooperate with each other as to sharing information like weather and prices, but at the same time compete with each other in order to get the best catch. I've seen them at work on my many trips to Maine. I've sailed past the trap buoys, and I've watched them as they pull the traps up to see what is there. This book was quite informative.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun one! One of my economics professors mentioned this book offhand one day in class, and it sounded interesting. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is an ethnography. Interesting and accessible, I especially enjoyed this book seeing as I live in a seaside town in the northeast.

[Titus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly like "Gangs of New York" but with lobsters.

[William]

More a dry academic enthnography than I expected. It's a good ethnography, though, for those who are interested in the subject.

[Emilia Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough ethnography of lobstermen in Maine. Not necessarily a fun read, but a lot of information if you like learning about this type of thing. A lot of anthropology seems to focus on people who are foreign to us that we do not interact with, much less imagine being, but this book brings that type of inquiry closer to home. A lot of the language used is detached and not language that lobstermen would use because they don't need to, they just know. It's pretty interesting to read this if you know any lobstermen because it really is startlingly accurate.

[Mark Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers all things lobster. Motivated to read this after a trip to Maine this past summer where I probably ate my weight in lobster. Interesting how the industry has remained kind of constant in the way things are done operationally through the years. Does not read fast. The book is loaded with factual information and goes into great detail regarding culture.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed like it was to be both an academic report on findings and a nonfiction read of interest to a general audience. I'm not sure attempting to combine those purposes worked as well. If there is an update, I would consider reading it just to see what the last 30 years has done to the industry.

[Ashesh Trivedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting approach to a question of wealth accumulation, social hierarchy, and a tenuous lifestyle effectively built on an untameable resource. however falls flat in making any real, non-intuitive claims about the industry or its social machinations - still cool to read about lobsters though

[Dylan Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written, engaging portrait of the social order of Maine lobster industry through an Ostrom lens.

[Emory · Rating 3 out of 5]

so quirky and niche. I loved it. Could be a little boring but how much can you really say about lobstermen without it getting repetitive anyways.

[Nathaniel Trask · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to smell like lobster, but no.

[Trish Remley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When in Maine - read about Maine. This was my chosen Maine book from my favorite book store - Sherman's in Freeport. Very interesting insight in to the culture, history and I gues you could say anthropology of lobstering. Most interesting to me was how the various island and maineland gangs self police themselves and their territories and the difficulty of becoming a lobsterperson if you aren't from a lobstering family, etc. Insight on the different levels of community including summer people was most interesting as my family have been summer people for 50 years (although my Dad was a native of Maine). I agree with all that was written - it's true.

[lynna · Rating 4 out of 5]

i've read the manuscipt, but not the finished book. the manuscript was awesome... if you're a fisheries nerd like me.

[Emilie-Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of what lobstermen's lives are really like, if a bit dated (written in the 80s)

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Educational, but not very entertaining. I like eating lobster better than reading this book.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whole lot of info about the business of lobstering in Maine. Interesting read.

[Margalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is surprisingly entertaining as well as informative.