The Bird of Dawning
by John Masefield

Review by
Carol Waterkeyn

The Bird of Dawning is a classic from 1933, recently republished by the National Maritime Museum with an introduction by Southeby’s Specialist, Dr Philip W Errington. The setting is an 1860s tea-clipper sea race from China to London and is a gripping tale of 16 men’s fight for survival. The leading character is ‘Cruiser’ Trewsbury, the 22-year-old second mate who finds himself thrust into the role of ‘Captain’ when disaster strikes their ship.

The book was a runaway success when first published and it is easy to see why. It is a compelling read from cover to cover and you so want the sailors to survive their dreadful ordeal and make it back to London. Although a fast-paced story, some of the language is quaintly old-fashioned and it would be really helpful to realise from the beginning that there is a glossary of old nautical terms at the back. This way you would be able to tell your rickers from your scuttle-butts!

Hardback book
Published by the National Maritime Museum
ISBN 9781906367244
Price: £10.99