SS Terra Nova, first hand
With Scott Before the Mast, by Francis Davies
In October 2020 we ran a review of Michael Tarver's SS Terra Nova – a history of Scott of the Antarctic's 'forgotten' expedition ship. Now the story of that vessel has been taken a step further in With Scott Before the Mast, a book reproducing the journals of a crew member who served onboard with Scott.
Francis Davies was a shipwright and carpenter with the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913, and his written account of his experiences was inherited by his great-niece Joy Watts. She has edited the text and brought it to publication in a glossy hardback that includes a decent selection of images.
It's good to hear this story from a seafarer's perspective, documenting everything it takes to run an expedition vessel and highlighting the ingenuity needed to solve problems when far from civilisation.
Davies has a pleasant, engaging writing style peppered with relatable anecdotes, such as the time he brought friends onboard for a visit and was mortified when one fell through a hatch that had been left open. All in all, a welcome addition to the body of work around the early 20th century's great age of polar exploration.
With Scott Before the Mast
By Francis Davies (ed Joy Watts)
Reardon Publishing
ISBN 978 19010 37555
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Carving out a career
Ships' Figureheads: Famous Carving FamiliesThe decoration of ships with figureheads was a way to present the might of military and mercantile power for centuries. These days, the skills needed to make these sculptures are kept alive by experts such as Andrew Peters, who has worked on restoration projects such as the Cutty Sark tea clipper.
Knotty problems solved
The Knot Bible: The Complete Guide to Knots And Their Uses by Nic ComptonKnot-tying is a vital competency skill for seafarers, and this expanded edition of The Knot Bible by Nic Compton offers guidance on over 200 knots and their practical uses.
Why it's nice to splice
Splicing modern ropes, 2nd edition: a practical handbook by Jan-Willem PolmanSplicing rope is as an essential skill for seafarers as tying a knot, but some skills are disappearing. This definitive guide on why splicing gets more from your rope is a great stocking filler for all boaters, whether recreational or commercial.
Heartfelt and humorous account of a career founded on fishing
Welcome Home - Fish or No Fish, by Skipper John RobertsWelcome Home – Fish or No Fish is a memoir that carries readers from the shores of Grimsby across the world’s oceans, charting a remarkable career at sea.