The Private Journal of William Reynolds: United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 (Penguin Classics)
William Reynolds (1815–1879) was a junior officer on the Ex. Ex. with Captain Wilkes.Nathaniel Philbrick, is a leading authority on the history of Nantucket Island. HisIn the Heart of the Seawon the National Book Award. His latest book isSea of Glory, about the epic U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842. His other books includeAway off Shore: Nantucket Island and Its People, 1602-1890(whichRussell Bakercalled "indispensable") andAbram's Eyes: The Native American Legend of Nantucket Island("a classic of historical truthtelling," according toStuart Frank, director of the Kendall Whaling Museum). He has written an introduction to a new edition ofJoseph Hart'sMiriam Coffin, or The Whale Fisherman, a Nantucket novel (first published in 1834) thatMelvillerelied upon for information about the island when writingMoby Dick.Philbrick, a champion sailboat racer, has also written extensively about sailing, includingThe Passionate Sailor(1987) and the forthcomingSecond Wind: A Sunfish Sailor's Odyssey. He was editor in chief of the classicYaahting: A Parody(1984).In his role as director of the Egan Institute of Maritime Studies, Philbrick, who is also a research fellow at the Nantucket Historical Association, gives frequent talks about Nantucket and sailing. He has appeared on "NBC Today Weekend", A&E;'s "Biography" series, and National Public Radio and has served as a consultant for the movie "Moby Dick", shown on the USA Network. He received a bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Arts in American Literature from Duke. He lives on Natucket with his wife and two children.Thomas Philbrick is professor emeritus of English at the University of Pittsburgh.