The novels are fiction, but the many of the people, ships, and worlds behind them are not. These articles dig into the real history underneath the stories—the navigators, the recipes, the codes, and the lives that inspired the books.
Who Was Eleanor Creesy? The Real Navigator of the Flying Cloud
Eleanor Creesy is being inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame—a pioneering navigator finally recognized alongside the sport’s greatest names. > Read
The Real Edward Rulloff
Edward Rulloff spoke 27 languages, may have inspired Sherlock Holmes' nemesis Professor Moriarty, and murdered at least three people. > Read
On the Trail of History’s Most Famous Cookie
Joe Froggers—the rum-and-molasses cookie that sailed out of Marblehead. > Read
What’s In Your Tussie-Mussie?
In the Victorian era, these small bouquets were a popular way to send coded messages. > Read
Victoria Did, Indeed, Have a Secret
The form factor of 19th century women's underwear that will probably shock you. > Read
My Favorite Historical Seafaring Novels Featuring Strong Women
Based on the fictional landscape, you’d think women never took to the sea. You’d be very wrong. > Read
Prefer the fiction? Start reading The Navigator free.
