Described as the greatest epic voyage in modern Irish history, Tim Severin and his companions constructed a boat using only sixth-century A.D. techniques and materials, mirroring the time when St. Brendan was believed to have sailed to America. The vessel was made from forty-nine ox hides stitched together and stretched over a wooden frame, with the leather skin measuring just a quarter of an inch thick. Severin and his crew embarked on their journey from Brandon Creek in Dingle to Newfoundland, enduring storms and even a puncture from pack ice. This dramatic account of their adventure captures the essence of being in a small, open boat amidst the vast North Atlantic, encountering curious whales, misty landfalls, and the warm hospitality of seafaring communities along the way. The narrative is both brilliantly written and meticulously researched, making it a classic of modern exploration, translated into 27 languages. Tim Severin, an explorer, filmmaker, and lecturer, has undertaken numerous expeditions, including crossing the Atlantic in a medieval leather boat and searching for Moby Dick. He has authored several books and received multiple literary awards, including the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award and the Book of the Sea Award.
