Memorials of the Sea: My Father Being Records of the Adventurous Life of the Late William Scoresby, Esq. of Whitby

"Memorials of the Sea: My Father" by William Scoresby is a 19th-century narration about the life of William Scoresby, Esq., a significant man from Whitby known for his work in the Greenland whale-fishing business. His son, the Reverend William Scoresby, D.D., tells the story of his father's amazing life and accomplishments, including his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a well-known Arctic navigator. The story starts with the author describing his father's early life, including his farming upbringing and early schooling. William Scoresby, driven by a desire for adventure, chooses to leave farming and begin a career at sea, eventually becoming an apprentice in Whitby. The beginning of the memoir emphasizes key events, such as his decision to pursue seafaring after rejecting a disappointing rural life, setting the stage for a story full of challenges, personal growth, and moments of both luck and misfortune in the risky world of maritime exploration and whaling; the memoir also touches on topics of resilience, and exploration.