Plot Summary

Looking for a Ship

John McPhee
Guide cover placeholder

Looking for a Ship

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1990

Book Brief

John McPhee

Looking for a Ship

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

252

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Looking for a Ship, John McPhee chronicles the experiences of a merchant sailor navigating the modern shipping industry. Through detailed observation, McPhee captures the life aboard a cargo vessel, highlighting the challenges and nuances of maritime work and the global nature of sea trade.

Informative

Contemplative

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

John McPhee's Looking for a Ship is lauded for its detailed exploration of the merchant marine industry. Praised for McPhee's engaging prose and insightful storytelling, it immerses readers in maritime life. Some find its depth overwhelming and pace slow, which might challenge those seeking a lighter read. Overall, it's a compelling look at a niche world.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Looking for a Ship?

Readers who enjoy maritime adventures and narrative nonfiction would appreciate John McPhee's Looking for a Ship. Fans of Sebastian Junger’s The Perfect Storm or Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea will find the detailed exploration of the shipping industry engaging.

Book Details
Pages

252

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!