Cross-Grained and Wily Waters: A Guide to the Piscataqua Maritime Region

Cross-Grained and Wily Waters examines the maritime history of New Hampshire's Piscataqua region from the colonial period through the present day. The book combines historical research, maritime archaeology, and environmental analysis to document this vital seaport area. Author W. Jeffrey Bolster draws on primary sources, maps, and photographs to reconstruct the region's nautical development and cultural heritage. The text covers shipbuilding, fishing, commerce, and the communities that grew around these maritime activities. The narrative tracks changes in the local environment and ecology alongside human modifications to the waterways and coastline. Navigation challenges, port facilities, and the relationship between land and sea receive particular focus. This study reveals enduring connections between geography, economics, and culture in coastal New England. The work demonstrates how natural features shaped human enterprise while human activity transformed the maritime landscape.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Jeffrey Bolster's overall work: Readers appreciate Bolster's ability to merge academic research with engaging storytelling, particularly in "Black Jacks" and "The Mortal Sea." His firsthand maritime experience adds authenticity to the historical narratives. What readers liked: - Deep research that uncovers overlooked aspects of maritime history - Clear writing style that makes complex historical topics accessible - Integration of environmental and social perspectives - Personal sailing experience that informs the historical analysis What readers disliked: - Some sections in "The Mortal Sea" contain dense statistical data - Academic tone in certain chapters can be challenging for casual readers - Limited coverage of certain geographical regions Ratings: Goodreads: - "Black Jacks": 4.0/5 (87 ratings) - "The Mortal Sea": 4.1/5 (56 ratings) Amazon: - "Black Jacks": 4.5/5 (22 reviews) - "The Mortal Sea": 4.4/5 (19 reviews) One reader noted: "Bolster brings forgotten maritime stories to life while maintaining scholarly rigor." Another commented: "The statistical sections require patience, but the insights are worth it."

Down to the Sea by Eric Jay Dolin This maritime history traces New England's seafaring culture through accounts of fishing communities, shipbuilding, and coastal trade from colonial times through the 19th century.

The Piscataqua Valley in the Age of Sail by Richard E. Winslow III The book documents the maritime commerce, shipbuilding industry, and cultural development of Portsmouth and the Piscataqua region during its peak shipping era.

The Lobster Coast by Colin Woodard This history of coastal Maine connects maritime activities, ecological changes, and coastal communities from the 1600s to present day.

Maritime New England by Richard Morris The text examines the interconnected maritime industries of shipbuilding, fishing, and trade that shaped New England's coastal development from 1600-1900.

The Business of Shipping by James J. Buckley The work presents the economic and operational aspects of New England's maritime commerce through documentation of shipping records, vessel types, and trade routes.

🌊 W.Jeffrey Bolster is not only an author but also a licensed master mariner who spent over a decade working on sailing vessels before becoming a history professor at the University of New Hampshire. 🚢 The Piscataqua River, which is the book's focus, has some of the fastest-flowing navigable waters in North America, with currents reaching up to 4 knots during peak tidal flows. ⚓ The book's title "Cross-Grained and Wily Waters" comes from a 17th-century description of the challenging Piscataqua River navigation conditions. 🗺️ The maritime region covered in the book spans three modern states - Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts - and was once one of colonial America's most significant shipbuilding centers. 🏺 Archaeological evidence discussed in the book reveals that Native Americans were actively fishing and trading in the Piscataqua region for at least 4,000 years before European contact.