Shipwreck
Author: first_name: William
last_name: Falconer
Language: English
Year: 1858

A semi-autobiographical poem in three cantos recounts the wreck of the merchant ship Britannia.  Written by William Falconer, a seaman of some experience, who survived one shipwreck himself with only two others of the 50 man crew and eventually perished in the loss of a second ship, the frigate Aurora, 20 years later.  The poem is recognized for its realistic portrayal of life aboard an 18th century sailing vessel. - Summary by Fritz