Death Raft, by A McKee

Death Raft, The Human Drama of the Medusa Shipwreck (signed copy)
by Alexander McKee

Alexander McKee, diver and military historian, is widely known as the man who lead the team of amateur divers (one of whom was John Bevan) in the discovery of the wreck of Henry VII’s flagship, Mary Rose. John’s admiration and respect for ‘Mac’ (as McKee was known by his friends) is reflected in his comprehensive collection of McKee’s books. This is one from John’s private collection.Hardback with dust jacket in protective cellophane cover.

In 1816 the captain of the French frigate Medusa reported that he had lost his ship by stranding off the west coast of Africa. He gave no indication that it was anything other than an ordinary shipwreck. His officers, however, told a different tale of mutiny, prolonged suffering, slaughter and cannibalism. The shipwreck became the scandal of the century. Man reacts predictably under extreme hardship; what happened in 1816 is a lesson for mankind in self-understanding.

Dust jacket in fair condition: small tears to top and bottom edges.
Inside pages in very good condition.
Title page signed by the author.
8 pages of black and white photographs.
1976, Readers Union, Newton Abbott, England
288 pages, 140mm x 220mm (approx. 5.5in x 8.75in)