The ships and sailors of old Salem : $b the record of a brilliant era of American achievement

"The Ships and Sailors of Old Salem" by Ralph D. Paine is a recounting of Salem, Massachusetts's maritime past, told in the early 1900s. The story captures a time when American ships ruled the sea and brave sailors set out to conquer faraway countries and open up commerce routes. It looks at old logbooks and journals to tell stories of the heroic captains and crews who faced pirates and dangerous seas to bring wealth and fame to Salem. The book reflects on how the American merchant marine has declined since then and serves to bring back to life the exciting accomplishments of Salem's forgotten seafarers.