The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean

by Lewis Holmes

"The Arctic Whaleman; or, Winter in the Arctic Ocean" by Lewis Holmes is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative recounts the harrowing story of the whale ship Citizen, which wrecked in the Arctic Ocean, detailing the extreme hardships faced by her crew as they struggled for survival alongside native inhabitants over a span of nine months. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the ship Citizen, setting sail from New Bedford under Captain Thomas Howes Norton. The atmosphere is filled with anxious anticipation as the crew members, many of whom are unfamiliar with one another, embark on this dangerous whaling voyage. Various scenes illustrate their struggles with seasickness, homesickness, and a series of encounters with whales that culminate in a fierce battle where the character of the whale and the dangers of whaling are starkly depicted. The opening chapters set the stage for the catastrophic wreck that will force the crew into a desperate fight for survival against the harsh Arctic elements and their dependence on the native peoples for sustenance and shelter.