Author Description

"The Private Journal of William Reynolds brings to life the boisterous world traversed by the six vessels than comprised America's first oceangoing voyage of discovery - the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842. Midshipman William Reynolds describes the harrowing 87,000 mile, four-year circuit of the globe, and relates the story of how the abusive commander of the "Ex. Ex.," Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, gradually lost the support of his crew. With a seaman's understanding and an artist's appreciation for the wild beauty that surrounds him, Reynolds combines meticulous observations with a young man's sense of wonder and, on occasion, terror as he is tossed about by the tremendous seas."--Jacket.