The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean

"The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean" by Lewis Holmes is a gripping historical narrative that chronicles the ill-fated voyage of the whale ship Citizen, a vessel that departs from New Bedford under the command of Captain Thomas Howes Norton into the perilous Arctic Ocean. As the inexperienced crew grapples with the harsh realities of whaling, including seasickness and homesickness, their initial encounters with whales escalate into violent confrontations, foreshadowing the treacherous path that lies ahead. The narrative crescendos into a catastrophic shipwreck, thrusting the crew into a desperate nine-month struggle for survival against the unforgiving Arctic wilderness, relying on the kindness and assistance of native inhabitants for their very existence.