Frank Thomas Bullen

Born in Paddington, London, on April 5, 1857, he had only a short formal education before going to sea while still very young. He worked in a range of seafaring roles and traveled widely, experiences that later became the foundation of his writing.

His breakthrough book, The Cruise of the "Cachalot" (1898), drew on his time in whaling and helped establish him as a notable writer of sea literature. He went on to publish more than thirty books, including fiction, memoir, and writing about merchant seamen and maritime life.

Later in life he was also known as a lecturer, and his work was valued for its direct, practical feel rather than romantic fantasy. He died on March 1, 1915, in Madeira.