Author Talk: Richard J. King discusses SAILING ALONE

Read a captivating journey through the history of solo sailing with SAILING ALONE, A Surprising History of Isolation and Survival at Sea by Richard J. King. In this enthralling exploration, King invites readers on an unforgettable journey across the open seas, where individuals have braved the elements and tested the limits of human endurance for centuries. Seamlessly blending environment, narrative history, and adventure, SAILING ALONE offers a thought-provoking meditation on the human condition and our relationship with the marine environment.

King illuminates a diverse array of reasons driving someone to venture into solitary maritime odysseys. From desires for fame and fortune to the pursuit of personal challenge and freedom, SAILING ALONE uncovers the complex motivations behind solo sea voyages. Through absorbing tales and historical insights, readers will encounter a rich tapestry of characters, including the courageous Ann Davison, the first known woman to cross an ocean alone, and Josiah Shackford, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War who embarked on a solo transatlantic journey in 1787.

Through his own personal experiences and meticulous research, King offers readers a firsthand glimpse into the trials and triumphs of solo sailing. With its captivating blend of adventure, history, and introspection, SAILING ALONE promises to captivate armchair adventurers, maritime enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

About The Author

Richard J. King is a Visiting Associate Professor in Maritime History and Literature with the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, MA. He has been sailing on ships throughout the Atlantic and Pacific for twenty-five years, and in 2007, he sailed across the Atlantic alone in a 28′ sailboat. He is the author of Ahab’s Rolling Sea: A Natural History of Moby-Dick (Chicago UP, 2019) which won an award with the North American Society of Oceanic History, was short-listed for the Connecticut Book Award, and was a New Statesman book of the year.