Australia & South Pacific - The Captain and

Books › Travel › Australia & South Pacific

The Captain and "the Cannibal": An Epic Story of Exploration, Kidnapping, and the Broadway Stage (New Directions in Narrative History)

Name: The Captain and "the Cannibal": An Epic Story of Exploration, Kidnapping, and the Broadway Stage (New Directions in Narrative History)
Price: 10.51 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4 (9 reviews)

4.0 of 5 Stars: Australia & South Pacific - The Captain and

$10.51

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: The astounding saga of an American sea captain and the New Guinean nobleman who became his stunned captive, then ally, and eventual friend Sailing in uncharted waters of the Pacific in 1830, Captain Benjamin Morrell of Connecticut became the first outsider to encounter the inhabitants of a small island off New Guinea. The contact quickly turned violent, fatal cannons were fired, and Morrell abducted young Dako, a hostage so shocked by the white complexions of his kidnappers that he believed he had been captured by the dead. This gripping book unveils for the first time the strange odyssey the two men shared in ensuing years. The account is uniquely told, as much from the captive’s perspective as from the American’s.

Upon returning to New York, Morrell exhibited Dako as a “cannibal” in wildly popular shows performed on Broadway and along the east coast. The proceeds helped fund a return voyage to the South Pacific—the captain hoping to establish trade with Dako’s assistance, and Dako seizing his chance to return home with the only person who knew where his island was. Supported by rich, newly found archives, this wide-ranging volume traces the voyage to its extraordinary ends and en route decrypts Morrell’s ambiguous character, the mythic qualities of Dako’s life, and the two men’s infusion into American literature—as Melville’s Queequeg, for example, and in Poe’s Pym. The encounters confound indigenous peoples and Americans alike as both puzzle over what it is to be truly human and alive.

Details

Are you ready for an incredible journey through time and uncharted waters? Step into the captivating world of "The Captain and the Cannibal": An Epic Story of Exploration, Kidnapping, and the Broadway Stage. Immerse yourself in the astonishing tale of Captain Benjamin Morrell and his unlikely bond with young Dako, a New Guinean nobleman turned captive. This narrative history, brought to you by New Directions, will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Experience the thrill of sailing through the Pacific in 1830, where Captain Morrell made his mark as the first outsider to encounter the inhabitants of a remote island near New Guinea. A chance encounter quickly turns into a violent encounter, leading to the abduction of young Dako. The shock and awe of this event will grip your imagination as Dako, captured by the dead, embarks on a journey of both fear and friendship.

But the story doesn't end there – upon Morrell's return to New York, he unveils Dako to the world as a "cannibal" in wildly popular shows performed on Broadway and along the east coast. This gripping narrative takes you behind the scenes, exposing the exploitation and intrigue that fueled Morrell's endeavors. With the proceeds from these shows, Morrell plans a return voyage to the South Pacific, aiming to establish trade with Dako's assistance. Meanwhile, Dako seizes this chance to finally return home with the only person who knows the way back to his island.

Supported by rich, newly found archives, this extraordinary book offers a deep dive into historical events, shedding light on Morrell's enigmatic character and Dako's mythic life. Discover their influence on American literature, from Melville's iconic Queequeg to Poe's unforgettable Pym. Journey alongside them as they navigate cultural boundaries, challenging our understanding of what it truly means to be human and alive.

Don't miss out on this unique and fascinating narrative history. Embark on an adventure like no other – order your copy of "The Captain and the Cannibal" today and let your imagination set sail! Click Here to Buy Now!

See All Buying Options...

More Details...