MAYFLOWER
Nathaniel Philbrick, Folio Society edition
2020 will mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage from Plymouth, England, to the new Plymouth in Massachusetts. The Folio Society have reissued Nathaniel Philbrick’s prize-winning account of the Puritan settlers’ first 55 years, ending with the horrific King Philip’s War in 1675-76 and consequent slavery. The Mayflower’s crossing plays only a small part in this complex narrative. ‘Philip’ was the son of the Pokanoket sachem Massadoit whose initial protection enabled the Pilgrims to survive. Ingratitude, exploitation and racism followed, to the extent that I wish the Mayflower hadn’t left home waters.
TALES OF THREE SHIPS
Fi Jones, www.talesofthreeships.co.uk
Fi Jones and husband Chris are yachtmasters and members of the Ocean Cruising Club. This is the second of two books for young children in which Jones describes an Atlantic crossing from Spain and Gibraltar, via Madiera and the Canary Islands to Santa Lucia. Hannah Edge’s colourful illustrations are appropriately lively and there’s plenty of educational content in Jones’s doggerel verse. Every page offers potential talking points for families in a similar situation. It’s also an expression of love. So, buy this book or write your own!
THE PULL OF THE RIVER
Matt Gaw, Elliott and Thompson Time was when YM included a regular Canoe Notes section and the spirits of ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor, RL Stevenson and Roger ‘Waterlog’ Deakin hover benignly over this charming book. It’s a wonderful reminder of the possible adventures on our doorstep. Access to non-tidal rivers is frequently disputed: rivers can be abused and neglected.
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Yachting Monthly.
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This story is from the December 2019 edition of Yachting Monthly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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