Book excerpt: For thousands of years, we have set out sailing for all kinds of reasons—for battle, for infinite wealth, for the excitement of exploring the unknown, and for escape from the mundane. We have always had a primal relationship with the sea—even those who have never been to sea remain fascinated by the seafaring life and tales of salty adventure. Now in a brand-new series collection, The Best Sailing Stories Ever Told brings together such diverse authors as Charles Dickens, Jack London, John Masefield, Stephen Crane, Herman Melville, and dozens more. Many of the writers featured here are instantly recognizable and have achieved deserved fame; others who are lesser known and rarely featured in print take their rightful place on the shelves of sailing literature. Lovers of the seascape will certainly get their fill with this shimmering sample of sea tales that range from the ancient epic and biblical stories to contemporary captains of literature. Whether you’re itching for a sailor’s peaceful life at sea, his epic conquest of the azure blue, or his own private descent into madness, this collection touches on the many aspects of life at sea. Each story is illustrated with black-and-white line art that makes this book a true classic. Even if you are enjoying The Best Sailing Stories Ever Told from the warm, dry comfort of your own living room, you are sure to be inspired by the colorful and stirring stories in this timeless collection.