In THE WRECK OF THE MENTOR, award-winning author Eric Jay Dolin brings to life an astounding saga of maritime perils, the desperation of basic survival, and encounters with unknown --- and sometimes unknowable --- tribal people. 

In 1832, the occupants of the American whaleship Mentor were trawling western Pacific islands, known collectively as Palau, in search of their customary prey when a horrendous storm led to the deaths of all but 11 crewmen, including Captain Edward Barnard. The sailors, who had always known that whaling was a highly risky endeavor, were forced to abandon ship. They dropped into the last of the Mentor’s whaleboats that carried a trunk filled with hardtack, their main food source, and a few weapons. 

"[Dolin] accompanies his vivid saga with photographs, a comprehensive collection of notes, and translations of some of the indigenous languages that its central characters encountered, all of which underpins this highly recommended narrative."

After making several forays onto various pieces of unoccupied lands, with the need for drinking water a primary necessity, Barnard and his crew stepped onto an island occupied by Palauans, not knowing if they would be welcomed or assaulted. Throughout their constant search for recovery, they met native occupants who seemed to wish them no harm, and others who wanted possession of whatever bounty they might be concealing, wielding handcrafted spears, knives and clubs. Some of the Indigenous islanders had been deceived by other white intruders, while some were offering a home for castaways from previous shipwrecks. 

Barnard and his companions struggled daily to comprehend the multitude of obstacles facing them, making pacts and enjoying a period of general security or secretly plotting a means of escape. 

Only seven men would fulfill their goal of coming back to the United States. Barnard resumed whaling but died in Lake Erie during a great gale. His body was never found. Another survivor returned to the seas and was captured, forcibly tattooed from head to foot, leading to a stint with P.T. Barnum’s carnival shows. Palau would become a critical battle site between Japanese and American forces during World War II. Dolin’s dynamic vision and diligent, determined research undoubtedly will give the region a fresh place in popular history.

Dolin has produced numerous, well-received and award-winning works focused on maritime history. In THE WRECK OF THE MENTOR, he accompanies his vivid saga with photographs, a comprehensive collection of notes, and translations of some of the indigenous languages that its central characters encountered, all of which underpins this highly recommended narrative.