HARD DOWN! HARD DOWN!: The Life and Times of Captain John Isbester from Shetland

Hard Down! Hard Down! is a book about the life of a Shetland man, John Isbester, who pursued his ambitions to reach the top in his profession, find a wife, cherish a family, do his job well, and be respected by his peers. The account is enlivened by extracts from family letters, diaries, and postcards revealing the minutiae of shipboard and family life 120 years ago, including a bachelor night out in Frisco, buying slippers in Dantzig, and a captain who changed his underclothes at midweek. The book also includes extracts from the diary of an observant young Scots solicitor on a voyage from Liverpool to Sydney, providing insights into the nature of life aboard a large square-rigged sailing ship on a long voyage. The author has compiled a record of his grandfather's life from diligent research of shipping records held in the many parts of the world to which John Isbester sailed, and technical issues are illustrated with numerous diagrams.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 30 April 2019
\n Publisher: Whittles Publishing
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Hard Down! Hard Down! is a captivating account of the eventful life of a Shetland man named John Isbester, who relentlessly pursued his ambitions. His goals included reaching the pinnacle of his profession, finding a loving wife, nurturing a family, excelling in his job, and earning the respect of his peers. The narrative is brought to life through excerpts from numerous well-selected family letters, diaries, and postcards, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of shipboard and family life over 120 years ago. These letters reveal a bachelor night out in Frisco, the purchase of slippers in Dantzig, and even a captain who resorted to changing his underclothes at midweek because he couldn't recall which weekend his wife had suggested!

After four years of navigating the treacherous waters around Shetland, John Isbester decided to dedicate the next forty years to sailing on large square-rigged ships from Liverpool. This decision was made during a time when shipping casualties were a common occurrence. The book vividly describes remarkable feats of survival and tragic deaths with remarkable clarity and detail. However, it also cherishes the happier times, such as picnics in Sydney harbor, where captain, family, and friends were transported in the ship's longboat, rowed by the eight apprentices. John Isbester's wife, accompanied by her upright piano, sailed with him on several year-long voyages, providing an additional dimension through her letters. These letters offer insights into the conditions ashore in Sydney, Frisco, Antwerp, and La Rochelle, as well as the birth of her ninth child aboard ship.

Extracts from the diary of an observant young Scots solicitor on a voyage from Liverpool to Sydney provide valuable insights into the nature of life aboard a large square-rigged sailing ship on a long voyage. The author, who is also a professional mariner, has compiled a comprehensive record of his grandfather's life through diligent research of shipping records held in various parts of the world to which John Isbester sailed. The book also delves into technical issues related to sailing ships, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of navigating the high seas during that era.

Overall, Hard Down! Hard Down! is a captivating and informative book that offers a unique perspective on the life and adventures of John Isbester. Through the use of family letters, diaries, and postcards, the reader is transported back in time to witness the triumphs and tragedies of a man who relentlessly pursued his dreams. The book provides valuable insights into the maritime world of the past and sheds light on the lives of ordinary people who faced extraordinary challenges on the high seas.

\n Weight: 628g\n
Dimension: 170 x 238 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781849954020\n \n