Bucking the Tide

[Dirk Visser 166]

Hey, Art!
Did you get anywhere with the Buckman masterpiece over the holidays?

I shipped a copy to Michel in Montreal with the inducement that he should read it with an open mind toward a film version, since that is an area where he has talent and experience..

I myself am enjoying picking it up still for a random dip-in, once in awhile. This morning I noticed that Josh's excerpt posted last month on the SCA blog page was not lifted in one piece, but was rather a compilation of sentences themed to convey an essence of the writing style without losing the narrative. The result was a nice demonstration of editorial chops. I am thinking that we enlist him to help take the second edition to the next level... I think what we are enjoying in this first self-published edition amounts to a basic smoothed-over publisher's proof.

As Lusty said, he liked it because, mistakes and all, " it felt like a letter from a friend."

[Art Haberland]

not yet.. you are behind the "dinghy cruising companion" and "Seraffyn's European adventure". The cruising companion is almost done and I read fast... but I get little time to read.. so hopefully soon, as Pardey books seem to be quick reads

[Dirk Visser 166]

Funny you should mention that..

I am currently half way into Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" this evening, just for a reality check. I would say its been all of ten years since I last read it.
This time it seems like an ancient and extreme primary source. One of those stories that we try to interpret in small pieces in books like Buckman's.

H.W. Tillman's 8 sailing/mountaineering books around the explorations of the Bristol Channel cutter "Mischief" are another rare series doing similar work from the last Mid-Century.

The Pardey's you mention are classics as well..I recommend "Bull Canyon" or "As Long as it's Fun" if you haven't caught them yet..

But how about this for an idea, mix it up once in a while and let us know about your reaction to that front burner edition we are all curious about here?
Remember, the one " you couldn't wait to tear into." ?

[Art Haberland]

it's funny. I seem to recall reading the beginning of Bucking the Tide.. was it in SCA or woodenboat?

[Dirk Visser 166]

Josh edited a nice three page writing sample w/color photos a couple of issues ago in SCA. They called it "Drinking the Wild Air".

There's a certain endearing innocence to Buckman's work, and for sure, a firm command of the language of the sea and sailing that draws one into his confidence. A self-effacing mastery of humor is also a strong suit with him.

References to human attitudes and motivations come up unrelentingly, but are consistently and gracefully integrated into the story, and blended harmoniously with his treatment of nature and the demands of the voyage.

I think, for me, that is a big part of the magic of his writing style..

[lustyslogger]

No offense to anyone but I think it would be prudent to point out that our host on this forum, Small Craft Advisor, is in the business of selling copies of this book. It appears to me at least that attempts to either give the book away for what ever reason or to advertise that its for sale elsewhere for half of SCA's price could be considered somewhat unethical.

Maybe I am out of line with this thinking but that is my opinion on this matter.

[Art Haberland]

well, I finished Seraffyn's European adventure today and I am almost done the Cruising Dingy Companion. Bucking the tide should start tomorrow.

The beauty of this week, I am running lights for comedy at the Borgata all this week.. leaves lots of time for reading

[Dirk Visser 166]

You are certainly entitled to whatever opinion you favor Mr. Slogger!

I would only point out that Josh himself published the e-mail link to direct author sales in his own magazine and was not offering the book through SCA at that time. I support the sales and marketing efforts of both men, and believe in a synergy of interest in support of a noble adventuring and writing effort.... marginal price differences being a secondary consideration.
A "Bucking the Tide" cult following?
...Watch this space!

Refer to Amazon.com as Art H. noted, to view what the market for a limited distribution "rare" book of this title can fetch.
( 9 copies available nationally, $106.00 to $178.00, plus shipping.)

I gifted the book to our mutual forum friend Michel in Montreal to affirm my enjoyment of his filmmaking talent which you and I both recognize is exceptional!
I enjoy giving gifts of books I consider outstanding to outstanding people..

Maybe Josh or Buckman will come on and weigh in..

In the meantime please know that I appreciate you opening this thread, I have enjoyed the dialogue even including this latest ethical controversy.

Be assured that I too support Josh's efforts, and am confident that the buzz we are creating here can only drive a sellout of the remaining "few hundred" copies of this first edition, whoever's inventory we are talking about!!

I do confess to hopes that the second edition will be a substantially upgraded version...the story is worth better maps, pictures, and proofreading, as you so diplomatically pointed out..!

[Art Haberland]

it's a fun read... only had an hour to work at it, but I am already 60 pages in

[Michel]

I am still waiting for it! I also have ordered the " A Little Breeze to the West" book. I love those kind of stories about a minimalist sailor living a big adventure on a small boat.
I have read the Robert Manry book quite a few times trough the years and I think I will read it again sometime.

But my kind of adventures is more modest.