The Wreck of the Whaleship Essex: A True Story in Song

whale ship

Take off on a Nantucket Whaling Ship around the horn to the 18th century hunting grounds of the South Pacific on board the Whaleship Essex. Set sail on the tragic vessel whose story inspired Herman Melville's, Moby Dick, written in 1851. We head out from the most famous whaling community in the world on a doomed voyage of unimaginable proportions.

Hear the story of the Essex as she gets knocked down by a sudden squall, then continues on her ill-fated voyage only to be rammed by an enraged whale. Learn how some of the men survived for over 90 days in a dory boat. With traditional songs that bring the adventure to life, David Coffin recounts an unforgettable voyage. He draws upon our timeless interest in the sea and in those courageous seafarers who risked their lives to seek their fortunes. Join in on a rousing shanty to hoist the anchor and set the sails. Sing the chorus on a forebitter and hear whaling songs that describe the primitive struggle between man and beast. (Some of these songs would have been sung by David's ancestors as they pursued the mighty sperm whale.) Feel the excitement of catching a whale in traditional songs from the period. Discover the rich significance of the whale as a commodity in historic context. And learn the sustaining role of the women in this small island community.

David Coffin has reconnected with his ancestral past to discover the significance of the pre and post- Revolution period of a Quaker community called Nantucket. David's Nantucket roots go back to 1659 when his great (times 8) grandfather, Tristram Coffin, bought the island, along with eight other gentlemen, from Thomas Mayhew, who owned Martha's Vineyard as well.

"David Coffin is a musician, performer, and music-educator of remarkable ability and insight. As a maritime specialist and descendant of some of America's greatest seafaring families--the whaling Coffins of Nantucket-- no one could be better suited to presenting the traditional songs and yarns of Yankee seafaring in the Age of Sail."
- Stuart M. Frank, M.A., Ph.D.,   Director, Kendall Whaling Museum