Joshua Slocum is believed to be the first man to sail single-handedly around the world. After a distinguished nautical career during which he worked his way up from cabin boy to captain Slocum wrecked his ship off the coast of Brazil. Turning this catastrophe to his advantage he built a sailing canoe from the wreckage and sailed back to New York. Moreover he wrote <I>Voyage of the Liberdade</I> a chronicle of his trip and earned some literary success. This spurred him to attempt his perilous voyage.<br><br><br><br>Having lost his fortune in the shipwreck Slocum began his voyage on a shoestring. He was given the <I>Spray</I> a century-old oysterboat in need of repairs. Two years and $500 later he had rebuilt the wreck into an oceangoing wonder. <br><br><br><br>On his 40000-mile three-year voyage Slocum visited six of the seven continents where he met cannibals presidents outlaws and ambassadors. Amazingly throughout his travels he lived off the land fishing trading and giving lectures to keep his pantry full. He also met some remarkable people including Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Kruger who believing the world was flat warned Slocum not to fall off! This adventure will captivate sailors and landlubbers alike.
