Edward Rowe Snow (1902–1982)

This book is great. It is a collection of short descriptions of various historical occurrences, most of which involve the sea and the New England coast. One of the best things about this book is the way the author tells the stories; instead of being dry and tedious, he is lively and very, very interesting. Although these historic chronicles are the result of painstaking research, they feel just as smooth and natural as any short story. Most chapters are only a few pages long, but each offers show more a particular insight into the region's varied and colorful history.

In this book, read these great stories:

‣ A dog in a shipwreck who saves 177 people (including a pregnant woman)

‣ Two little girls who are home alone when the British army invades—and who make them retreat

‣ A "flying Santa" who drops books, candy, and toys from his airplane every December

‣ A secret staircase

‣ Buried treasure . . . no, really!

Seriously, this book is gold. show less

I had picked this one up many years ago and never read it. Then my wife and I went on a trip to Maine and I found the book a wonderful introduction to the area. The author is more of a folklorist than a true historian, and he is a bit too credulous of pirate tales and such. But it is a wonderful piece of Americana nonetheless and an unselfconscious enthusiasm for a sense of place that coastal Maine can still elicit in a visitor.

An entertaining if uneven collection of sea stories told in a casual, chatty style. Quite a variety of material: pirates and treasure hunting, ghosts and phantom ships, storms and shipwrecks, and the Mary Celeste rounds out the book. The modern editor brings many of the stories up to date with additional information. Well worth a read if you enjoy tales of the sea.

Fine condition. Dust jacket fine condition.