A voyage to Spitzbergen containing an account of that country, of the zoology of the North; of the Shetland Islands; and of the whale fishery

** "A Voyage to Spitzbergen" by John Laing is an early 19th-century narrative detailing the author's journey as a ship's surgeon aboard a whaling vessel named the Resolution, bound for Spitzbergen and the Shetland Isles. The account explores the natural history of the Arctic region, spotlighting the unique animal life and offering observations on the whaling industry and early Arctic exploration. The story begins with his hiring in Whitby and recounts the ship's departure for the North Sea, painting a picture of the coastal town and its maritime importance. As the ship heads towards the Shetland Islands, Laing shares insights into the preparations for the challenging trip, including ship supplies, crew interactions, and geographic information about the islands they visit, establishing a sense of adventure mixed with anticipation for the hardships ahead in the Arctic. **