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
Spooky thriller dredges the demons of the deep
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart TurtonAuthor Stuart Turton crashed onto the scene in 2018 with his debut novel The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. That uniquely positioned 'manor house murder mystery' became an international bestseller, so his follow up novel was much anticipated.
All you need for an inland waterways adventure
The Canal Guide: Britain's 55 Best Canals By Stuart FisherFor those who fancy the inland waterways for a summer holiday this year, The Canal Guide from nautical imprint Adlard Coles is an attractive guidebook and resource showing off the richness of the UK's heritage.
Vessel views from a seasoned shipspotter
Ferry Good by Geoffrey WatsonFerry Good is also a personal collection of vessel photographs combined with supplementary technical and historical information. Ever ready with his camera, Watson has included more than 200 images of ferries taken in his travels
The Merchant Navy in vibrant verse
A Bucket of Steam by Captain Joe EarlA Bucket of Steam is both a memoir and a work of the imagination – a little gem of a book where the author reflects on his own seafaring life and tells other maritime stories, all through the medium of poetry.