Flying Cloud: The True Story of America's Most Famous Clipper Ship and the Woman Who Guided Her

Rating:
Summary: Good Book, Good Read!
Review: This is not a history book, nor does it claim to be. So if you are a sailing purist, looking for a true history of what actually happened on Flying Cloud's maiden voyage, you will be disappointed.

If, however, you are looking for a good historical novel, and there is nothing wrong with using a novel's format to teach truly GOOD history, then you will be delighted. Based as much on fact as could be assembled, this is a story about the remarkable accomplishment of an excellent navigator who utilized as much of the scientific advances of her time as was then currently available, to achieve truly remarkable results.

I think most reviewers miss the point of this work. Eleanor Creasy, the story's pivotal character, was likely the first navigator on a truly fast ship to incorporate Matthew Fontaine Maury's, Physical Geography of the Sea. This compendium of seasons, winds, and currents flew in the face of all previous navigational works back to the beginning of time. It was the most remarkable sailing advance ever. Its impact on sailing was akin to the impact the Internet has had on the world over the last 20 years. Eleanor's adoption of it, her use of the most advanced scientific navigation tool of her time, is the reason HER achievement, not Maury's, stood for over 100 years. Her drive to win, to succeed in the great sea races of her time, her willingness to take risks no one else took, is the true essence of her story.

And those characteristics, when combined with what had to be her own innate excellence as a navigator, are why her achievement stands so tall. She really had to be quite remarkable as an 1850s navigator: Why else would she have been entrusted with her ship's owners and her husband, the captain's, complete confidence. She simply had to be darn good before this trip. Thinking outside the box, as she likely often did, is what made her great.

This is a good book. Don't miss it.


Rating:
Summary: I still feel the wind in my hair
Review: This was a wonderful account of the maiden voyage. The hardships faced by the passengers and crew made my realize how difficult it must have been to sail during those times. The detailed course charts were facinating to me. I highly recommend this book for those interesting in this famous ship.