Author Event: Eric Jay Dolin's Left for Dead

Join Maine Maritime Museum for a special visit from Eric Jay Dolin, the acclaimed author of Black Flags, Blue Waters, as he delves into a mesmerizing tale of survival, treachery, and resilience in his latest book, Left for Dead. The narrative recounts the gripping true story of five castaways stranded on the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812.

Set against the backdrop of wartime conflicts, Dolin’s narrative weaves a compelling saga of a chance encounter between an American sealing vessel, a shipwrecked British brig, and a

British warship. Misunderstandings and mistrust led to the abandonment of three British sailors and two Americans, including Charles H. Barnard, the captain of the sealer, in the unforgiving terrain of the Falklands for a harrowing eighteen months.

Left for Dead is a tale that unravels with intriguing complexity, offering surprising twists and turns. Reminiscent of David Grann’s The Wager, Left for Dead reveals a spectrum of human behavior under extreme duress—depicting instances of greed, deception, and bullying juxtaposed with stellar leadership, ingenuity, and remarkable endurance. The story unfolds with banishment, the profound value of a loyal companion, the birth of a child, a perilous thousand-mile open-ocean voyage in a mere seventeen-foot boat, an unlikely rescue mission, and ensuing legal battles over a contentious wartime prize.

In Left for Dead, Eric Dolin delivers an enthralling narrative that sheds light on not just the individuals involved but the societal reflections and consequences of their actions. He goes further to offer a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

About The Author:

Eric Jay Dolin is the best-selling and award-winning author of numerous works in maritime history, including Leviathan, Rebels at Sea, and Black Flags, Blue Waters. He lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

This event is free, but preregistration is required. Signed copies of Left for Dead will be available for purchase.