author
William Scoresby
1789–1857
An Arctic explorer, whaling captain, scientist, and clergyman, he brought firsthand experience of the far north into both his writing and his research. His work helped widen what people in the 19th century knew about Arctic seas, ice, and magnetism.
3 Audiobooks
The northern whale-fishery
by William Scoresby
The Arctic regions and the northern whale-fishery
by William Scoresby
About the author
Born near Whitby in 1789, William Scoresby went to sea as a boy on his father's whaling voyages and built an unusually wide career from that early start. He became known as a skilled navigator and Arctic explorer, while also developing a serious interest in science.
Scoresby is especially remembered for careful observations of the Arctic and for helping turn whaling experience into useful scientific knowledge. He wrote about the northern seas, ice conditions, and natural history, and he also contributed to the study of terrestrial magnetism. His reputation as a scientist was recognized with fellowship in learned societies, including the Royal Society.
Later in life, he entered the Church and served as a clergyman, combining religious work with continued writing and scientific interests. He died in 1857, leaving behind a life that linked adventure, practical seamanship, and curiosity about the natural world.