Fantastical Voyage and Historical Guessing Game

books:


	• The Voyage of the `Frolic': New England Merchants and the Opium Trade Thomas N. Layton Stanford University Press, 1997 - 227 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

In a class all its own

Oddly enough, our book group chose Voyage of the Frolic and what great fun and an education it has been. I've always dreamed of going on an archeological expedition and here, without the dirt, pan, screens and brushes, I've discovered another layer of the past. What an eclectic history California has.

Fantastical Voyage and Historical Guessing Game

This book was most enjoyable--An historical and literary voyage through history until it capsizes--here, at our feet and on our shores on the California-Mendocino Coast.

WOW what fun, work and incredible research the author had to dive through. THIS IS GREAT READING!

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Intricately woven mystery

Layton is a master at pulling you in and teaching you a thing or two. I'd love to learn more about the Chinese connection.

Wonderfully executed

The Voyage of the Frolic is a readers dream. Bostonian History, Maritime life, Chinese trade, the Coast of California and our indigenous Indians all rolled into one well written and enjoyable read. Thank you Professor Layton for unraveling the past and placing it in a wonderful china bowl for all of us to peruse and get to know.

Exciting History of a fast moving opium runner

A model of the Frolic is on display at the Cabrillo Lighthouse, Mendocino, CA. Before you visit the area, read this book. The book covers the entire history of the Frolic, those who built it, the course it took for its short 6 year life -- before sinking off Pt. Cabrillo. Its history includes its involvement with the Opium War, American incursions in China and exciting trade run with opium, Chinese ceramics and silks. A must read if you're interested in international history and the ships that created commerce and connection with the rest of the world.

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reviews: page 1, 2

In 1850 the clipper ship ''Frolic,'' a sailing ship built for the Asian opium trade, had wrecked on the Mendocino coast, where the Indians salvaged its cargo. Layton unearthed the business records of its owners, A. Heard & Co., which showed that respectable Bostonians had made their fortunes running opium from India to China. Layton describes the political, financial, & logistical aspects of the profitable enterprise before the intro. of steam vessels into the opium trade in 1849. Families of the ''Frolic's'' owners preferred to forget the source of their fortunes, but in 1965 divers discovered the remains of the opium clipper, & 134 years after its wreck an archaeologist-anthropologist was inspired to pursue its colorful history. Illustrations.

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