This book, from 1962 and illustrated by Lewis Zacks, was written for children, but I found it interesting because of the short story nature of the mysterious disappearances of ships and one wreck, even the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

The writing is not so childish that it would bore an adult. It provided enough tantalizing information that I searched online for updates of some of the disappearances.

I found it an enjoyable little book. My copy is a hardcover, in perfect condition. I'll probably pass it along to someone interested in it.

A coincidence - I had just watched part of a documentary on Aaron Burr, who was devastated by the loss of his daughter, Theodosia, wife of Governor Joseph Alston of South Carolina, on the ship the Patriot. The first story in this book is The Nag's Head Portrait, about a painting discovered in the home of a "banker" (read the story to find out what a "banker" is in this context!) that might be Theodosia and might have come from her ship. Everyone who knew Theodosia was dead by the time the portrait was discovered, and the sitter is not identified on the back of the portrait, and it only resembles other known portraits of Theodosia without being so close as to provide actual identification. Interesting.

I do recommend this book for anyone needing a cozy, interesting read, who enjoys sea stories. ( )