Swallowing The Anchor
Author Paul Rodgers made his last single-handed voyage after nearly 20 years spent crossing the world’s oceans alone. In Sailing To Purgatory, Rodgers takes us on his journey from Venezuela to Cape Town, South Africa, via the Caribbean islands and St. Helena Island. He describes the storms, seas, wildlife and people he encounters along the way. The story takes an abrupt turn when Rodgers becomes mixed up in one of the largest drug busts in British history. He is arrested and sent to prison after being accused of running a trafficking ring that used small, oceangoing vessels to smuggle drugs into the United Kingdom. Rodgers maintains his innocence. (Olympia Publishers, $11)
Tales Of The Sea
A collection of 15 tales for the armchair seafarer, Astounding Sea Stories transports readers back in time with Victor Hugo, Herman Melville, Charles Dickens and Jack London, among others. Notable excerpts include The Rubicon, Cast Adrift, A Struggle With A Devil-fish and Loss Of The Brig. Readers will also find the official report of the sinking of the Titanic, a first-person account of the wreck of the Medusa, and a story by an unknown captain written after a whale sank his ship. The book is illustrated with color artwork from the period. (Seahorse Press, $15)
Shining A Light On History
A beacon on the south shore of Long Island, the first Fire Island Lighthouse was completed in 1826. Lighthouse tenders first lit its replacement — the 168- foot brick tower that stands today — in 1858. The existing structure is said to be the first object many European immigrants saw as they arrived in America. In his book Fire Island Lighthouse: Long Island’s Welcoming Beacon, author Bill Bleyer traces the storied history of both Fire Island lighthouses. Accompanying the text is historic and recent photography. (Arcadia Publishing, $22)
This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue.
