Book excerpt: From its beginnings New London's history is bound to the sea. Income from the whaling industry alone was fabulous. Yet the history of this unusual city at the mouth of the Thames, is one of many endeavors. Robert Decker has brought it all together, the pulse, the life, the excitement of a community over 325 years old. Illuminated by more than 150 photographs, documented with detailed reference material, there is high interest for both layman and scholar.