Away Off Shore

Nantucket Island and Its People, 1602-1890

By: Nathaniel Philbrick

Narrated by: Scott Brick

A book about a tiny island with a huge history, from a New York Times bestselling author of the forthcoming book, Valiant Ambition (May 2016)

“For everyone who loves Nantucket Island this is the indispensable book.” —Russell Baker

In his first book of history, Away Off Shore, New York Times-bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick reveals the people and the stories behind what was once the whaling capital of the world. Beyond its charm, quaint local traditions, and whaling yarns, Philbrick explores the origins of Nantucket in this comprehensive history. From the English settlers who thought they were purchasing a “Native American ghost town” but actually found a fully realized society, through the rise and fall of the then thriving whaling industry, the story of Nantucket is a truly unique chapter of American history.

With a Preface read by the Author

Critic reviews

“Nathaniel Philbrick has written a gem of a book. Away Off Shore is meticulously detailed, filled with fine anecdotes, and a fascinating look at a fascinating place.” —H. G. Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights

“Away Off Shore doesn’t recount more of the same heroic stories we’ve all heard about early Nantucketers . . . Instead the author gives us—finally—a human story of real Nantucketers whose actions reflect the times and the hardships they endured trying to make a life on this island centuries ago.” —Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror

Entertaining history of Nantucket

The book is an overview of the whaling industry on Nantucket. It also discusses the Quaker religion and the development of the island’s government. The narration is clear. Anyone interested in the author or Nantucket, where he lives, should listen to this book.

Philbrick is a God!

This book marks the official end of my Nathaniel Philbrick journey. I have officially read or listened to everything he has ever written. As Massachusetts native, I find it very easy to connect to much of his work; this is no exception. The man has a way of drawing you into the story, like very few other authors can do.

As a history lover and a local, this title was Devine, I was already familiar with the subject matter, having spent time on the islands myself, but I really appreciate the depth of the characters (are they characters if they were real?) and the ability to truly understand the history of Nantucket from the people who lived there in it's heyday!

I did read them out of order, so I'm a little sad that I don't know what's next, having already read his latest release.

Great recounting Nantucket's storied past...

...an island that carries with it (at least to this Southwest landlubber) an almost mystical seafaring past. I really do appreciate Nathaniel Philbrick's historical reporting… He more or less eschews the nauseating, political, correctness, and revisionist virtue signaling of many of his contemporaries... not always, but mostly… While giving credit to participants and culture cultures that have often times been over looked. Great job.

Philbrick fans will love this one!

I’m a longtime fan of Nathaniel Philbrick and had read every one of his books except this one. As a Nantucket lover, I very much enjoyed this look at its heyday and some of its founding citizens.

Great History of Nantucket

A detailed history of the life and times of Nantucket. Thoroughly researched as all of Philbricks work. Great read