Joan Druett Bücher

Das entbehrungsreiche Leben der Walfänger im 19. Jahrhundert bildet den Hintergrund dieses Abenteuerromans, in dessen Mittelpunkt eine selbstbewusste junge Frau steht.

"Tupaia sailed with Captain Cook from Tahiti, piloted the Endeavour about the South Pacific, and interceded with Maori in NZ. Tupaia, a gifted linguist, a brilliant orator, and a most devious politician, was highly skilled in astronomy, navigation, and meteorology. An expert in the geography of the Pacific, he was able to name directional stars and predict landfalls and weather throughout the voyage from Tahiti to Java. He was also the ship's translator, able to communicate with all the Polynesian people they met. As a man of high social ranking, Tupaia performed as an ntermediary, interpreting local rituals and ceremonies. Not only did Tupaia become one of the ship's artists, drawing lively pictures to illustrate what he described, but he could be called the Pacific's first anthropologist"--Publisher information

Set in 1905, this tale unfolds in the vibrant goldfields of New Zealand, where the Golden Goose Hotel, a renowned venue for Murder Mystery Weekends, faces turmoil. The legacy of Captain Jake Dexter and actress Harriet Gray is jeopardized by Timothy Dexter, whose dubious claims threaten the family's inheritance. Amidst the intrigue, a real murder disrupts the festivities, and young tourist Cissy Miller, armed with a Harlequin costume and a mysterious task, may hold the crucial clues to unraveling the deadly puzzle.

Focusing on the life of an unrecognized Tahitian navigator, this biography reveals his crucial role in Captain Cook's historic voyage on the Endeavour. It highlights his contributions to navigation and the cultural exchanges that took place during the expedition, shedding light on a figure often overlooked in maritime history. The narrative explores themes of exploration, identity, and the impact of indigenous knowledge on European exploration efforts.

Auckland Island is a godforsaken place in the middle of the Southern Ocean, 285 miles south of New Zealand. With year-round freezing rain and howling winds, it is one of the most forbidding places in the world. To be shipwrecked there means almost certain death.

The book offers a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by surgeons aboard nineteenth-century whaling ships, drawing from diaries, journals, and letters. It details their rudimentary surgical tools, available treatments, and the diverse individuals they met during their voyages. The narrative also highlights the perils and harsh realities of life at sea, providing a unique insight into the medical practices and experiences of these maritime professionals.

Set against the backdrop of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, a significant 19th-century scientific voyage, the story follows Wiki Coffin, a talented linguist. He plays a crucial role by translating native languages, serving as an unofficial first mate to Captain George Rochester, and acting as the deputy sheriff in Virginia. Wiki's diverse skills and adventurous spirit keep him at the center of the expedition's dynamic activities aboard the fleet of seven ships, highlighting themes of exploration and camaraderie.

Set against the backdrop of the 1841 whaling expedition of the Massachusetts whaleship Sharon, this gripping narrative uncovers the brutal murder of Captain Howes Norris. As the crew hunts in the Pacific, chaos erupts when they return to find their captain dead and bloodied crew members remaining. The third officer's courageous counterattack leads to a shocking confrontation. Despite the dramatic events, an official American investigation into the mutiny never took place, leaving the truth shrouded in mystery for over a century.

Set in 1838, the narrative follows the United States Exploring Expedition as it embarks on a groundbreaking journey into uncharted territories. A fleet of seven ships carries a diverse group of astronomers, mapmakers, and naturalists, all eager to explore the unknown. The launch from Virginia is marked by significant celebration, highlighting the ambitious spirit and scientific aspirations of the era. This expedition promises to unveil new discoveries and expand the boundaries of knowledge about the world.