"Cast Away recounts, often in their own words, the epic tales of the survivors of shipwreck, mutiny and marooning through the ages and around the globe, focusing on the age of sail and steam. This enthralling book captures some of the most magical, romantic, gruesome, exciting and bizarre stories of the sea. It offers up for the readers delectation the suffering of innocents; the ruthless predations of pirates; the last-resort horrors of cannibalism; encounters with ferocious indigenous tribes; the unfettered madness of religious maniacs and psychopaths; and survival against all odds. And behind every tale of tragedy or triumph is the eternal mystery and majesty of the depthless, merciless, unpredictable ocean."--Provided by publisher.