|
Family legend has it that Matthew Webb was a great, great uncle of mine (although in family research I have yet to definitely prove that). Hence I have read a few accounts of his life, both in book form and on various Web sites (although one tends to take the latter as being likely to be less well researched). This particular account is one that I found myself blowing hot and cold over. Factually, it appears to be a well-researched account of his life and death but with little or no new information. There were a few niggles regarding facts in the book - with one or two items, especially in his pre-Channel swim days, there would appear to be a discrepancy between the facts in this book and those in other works - that isn't to say that this book is incorrect, simply that there are lingering doubts (indeed in respect of his rescue of a brother in the River Severn, I have seen reference to it being any one of three of his brothers). To help alleviate this uncertainty, I will level the same criticism against this biography that I have against many others - no list of reference material from which it was compiled. Those issues aside, I found the book a good read with an easy, informal style that presented the Captain's life in a well-structured sequence. I particularly liked the verses at the start of each chapter, but on occasion felt that the chapters themselves lacked a little bit of depth. Strangely, I found myself drifting between a biographical mind-set and that of a novel whilst reading this book on occasion - I cannot, however, put my finger on the reason for that. Overall, I have to say that I would recommend this book to others, but with the reservations mentioned above. A useful addition to my "Captain Webb" bookshelf.
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada