^Lot 422 McPhee: Looking for a Ship

McPhee, John. LOOKING FOR A SHIP. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, New York. 1990. 12mo. (10), 242, (4) pages. original dark blue cloth, gilt, jacket. First Edition. English text. Fine. This book is a compelling work of creative nonfiction that explores the steep decline of the United States Merchant Marine through the perspective of Andy Chase, a mariner struggling to secure work in a rapidly shrinking industry. Seeking employment, Chase takes a position as a second mate aboard the S.S. Stella Lykes, and McPhee joins him on a 42-day supply voyage down the Pacific coast of South America. The narrative blends a travel log of their journey through pirate-prone waters with vivid sea stories told by the crew, ultimately painting a portrait of a vanishing American calling overshadowed by international competition and changing global shipping dynamics. Lot weight: 1 lbs 0oz. Subject(s): Maritime History.