Fair Seafarer: A Honeymoon Adventure with the Merchant Marine

I thank Nancy Allen for writing her story about life on an American Flag cargo vessel. Her husband, Bob Allen is stuck in the same position my father was in during the 60's - that is - sailing as a Chief Mate with a Masters license. It must have been difficult for Nancy to see the time and dedication her husband puts in while on-board ship and the frustration he must feel being responsible for almost everything and not being in charge. Bob Allen is in love with the sea and Ms. Allen followed the man she loves and wrote a great story about the places and people that make up the world of a disappearing US Flag Merchant Fleet.

I have been involved with the sea for almost thirty years. I read Fair Seafarer and learned quite a thing of two about life on an American flagged efficient cargo vessel.Nancy, the author, told the tale of her voyage and a voyage through the Merchant Marine service with great style. It is a book that you might even read wothout putting it down. Believe me, she is right on target with the problems that plague American crews. Shares with us the joys of the voyage from her unique perspective as the Chief Mates wife, along for quite a ride.

An illuminating book on the motivation of an iconoclastic lifestyle in this technological age. The authors enthusiasm is projected to the reader and carries you along her serendipitous journey.