My Life at Sea being a "yarn" loosely spun for the purpose of holding together certain reminiscences of the transition period from sail to steam in the British mercantile marine (1863-1894)

** "My Life at Sea" by William Caius Crutchley is a captivating autobiographical account of a sailor's life during a pivotal time in maritime history. Crutchley vividly recounts his adventures in the British mercantile marine between 1863 and 1894, an era marked by the shift from sailing ships to steam-powered vessels. From a childhood dream sparked by the arrival of a ship in his hometown, the initial reluctance of his family towards his aspirations, to the guidance of a key mentor, a shipowner named Mr. Trapp, Crutchley's story paints a rich picture of his early education and the rigorous world of naval life. Through personal stories, observations about maritime culture, and experiences aboard diverse ships, Crutchley brings to life the spirit of exploration, the challenges faced by sailors, and the vibrant characters he met in bustling ports, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of maritime adventure and discovery. **