A 'hen frigate', traditionally, was any ship with the captain's wife on board. Hen frigates were miniature worlds - wildly colourful, romantic, and dangerous. Here are the dramatic, true stories of what the remarkable women on board these vessels encountered on their often amazing voyages: romantic moonlit nights on deck, debilitating seasickness, terrifying skirmishes with pirates, disease-bearing rats, and cockroaches as big as a man's slipper. And all of that while living with the constant fear of gales, hurricanes, typhoons, collisions, and fire at sea.
Interweaving first-person accounts from letters and journals in and around the lyrical narrative of a sea journey, maritime historian Joan Druett brings life to these stories. We can almost feel for ourselves the fear, pain, anger, love, and heartbreak of these courageous women. Lavishly illustrated, this breathtaking book transports us to the golden age of sail.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Honeymooners
Chapter 2: At Sea
Chapter 3: Sex and the Seafaring Wife
Chapter 4: Children at Sea
Chapter 5: Small Ladies
Chapter 6: Ship Kitchens
Chapter 7: Occupational Therapy
Chapter 8: Medical Matters
Chapter 9: Hazards of the Sea
Chapter 10: Dropping Anchor
Chapter 11: On Shore in a Foreign Land
Appendix
Index
