Hen Frigates

A "hen frigate", traditionally, was any ship with the captain's wife on board. Hen frigates were miniature worlds -- wildly colorful, romantic, and dangerous. Here are the dramatic, true stories of what the remarkable women on board these vessels encountered on their often amazing voyages: romantic moonlit nights on deck, debilitating seasickness, terrifying skirmishes with pirates, disease-bearing rats, and cockroaches as big as a man's slipper. And all of that while living with the constant fear of gales, hurricanes, typhoons, collisions, and fire at sea. Interweaving first-person accounts from letters and journals in and around the lyrical narrative of a sea journey, maritime historian Joan Druett brings life to these stories. We can almost feel for ourselves the fear, pain, anger, love, and heartbreak of these courageous women. Lavishly illustrated, this breathtaking book transports us to the golden age of sail.

CONTENTS
Introduction
CHAPTER ONE. The Honeymooners
CHAPTER TWO. At Sea
CHAPTER THREE. Sex and the Seafaring Wife
CHAPTER FOUR. Children at Sea
CHAPTER FIVE. Small Ladies
CHAPTER SIX. Ship Kitchens
CHAPTER SEVEN. Occupational Therapy
CHAPTER EIGHT. Medical Matters
CHAPTER NINE. Hazards of the Sea
CHAPTER TEN. Dropping Anchor
CHAPTER ELEVEN. On Shore in a Foreign Land
APPENDIX
INDEX