The Bayman: A Life on Barnegat Bay

Rating:
Summary: Tribute to Vanishing Life on the Bay - Great Book!
Review: "The Bayman" is one man's poetic eulogy to a dying way of living; his document of what he's seen, heard, remembered, endured, of those he's "not seen" and those he's been "not seen" by.

It takes place along the Barnegat Bay in southern New Jersey, but it could be any small farm in America, any way old "men of iron" made their living, a way that has all but vanished today. The writing is insightful, as it documents this hard, tribal, stubborn way of life.

In one of the more gripping chapters, the author tires to rally the independent-minded Baymen to take on the self-serving governing body who feed their own self-interests at the expense of the old-time Baymen. Its a classic David vs. Goliath battle, with the blue-collar little guys taking on the selfish, often clueless and heartless politicians. It ends like most battles like this do - some small, hard-fought victories are won,, but eventually the fight must be abandoned - for family, for sanity, for peace of mind. Unfortunatley, few are willing to pick up the fight, yet, like rats, there are always more willing to grab the mantle of power.

An excellent book. Highly recommended! Also recommended: "Barnegat: Life by the Bay" and "Stafford Chronicles: A History of Manahawkin, New Jersey".

Rating:
Summary: New insight into a familiar place
Review: I bought this fine book toward the end of a vacation on Long Beach Island, by Barnegat Bay, and only wish I'd read it before the trip. Merce Ridgway captures the texture of an earlier time, and conveys a culture that combines ingredients of Appalachia, Cajun, Down East Maine, and its own unique local flavor. Reading the book gives you a whole different outlook when boating on the bay, watching the local wildlife, or treading for clams. Mr. Ridgway is not a professional writer, so his prose sometimes stumbles, but his deep knowledge of the area and his clear thinking overcome this challenge to create a thoroughly readable book. A great gift for anyone who loves the Jersey Shore.

Rating:
Summary: New insight into a familiar place
Review: I bought this fine book toward the end of a vacation on Long Beach Island, by Barnegat Bay, and only wish I'd read it before the trip. Merce Ridgway captures the texture of an earlier time, and conveys a culture that combines ingredients of Appalachia, Cajun, Down East Maine, and its own unique local flavor. Reading the book gives you a whole different outlook when boating on the bay, watching the local wildlife, or treading for clams. Mr. Ridgway is not a professional writer, so his prose sometimes stumbles, but his deep knowledge of the area and his clear thinking overcome this challenge to create a thoroughly readable book. A great gift for anyone who loves the Jersey Shore.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful, compelling, revealing tale of hardship and joy
Review: I came across a used copy of The Bayman quite by accident at a flea market. I moved to the Barnegat Bay area 12 years ago and some of my friends are wives of bayman. I learned more about clammers from Merce Ridgway's book than in all the years I've been here. It's given me more of an appreciation for the very difficult work they do. My favorite chapter was about the "Ice on the Bay", but every single chapter held my attention. It was easy, delightful reading. Thank you, Merce!