Joshua Slocum was believed to be the first man to sail single-handed around the world. After a distinguished career, where he worked his way up from cabin boy to captain, Joshua Slocum wrecked his ship off the coast of Brazil. Turning this catastrophe to his advantage, he built a sailing canoe from the wreckage and sailed back to New York. Moreover, he wrote Voyage of the Liberdad, a chronicle of his trip, and earned some literary success. This was the spur to attempt his perilous voyage alone around the world.Having lost his fortune in the shipwreck, Slocum began his adventure nearly penniless. He was given the Spray, a century old oyster boat that wants some repairs. Two years and $500 later he had rebuilt the wreck into an oceangoing wonder.On his 40,000 mile, three year voyage, Slocum visited six of the seven continents where he met cannibals, presidents, outlaws, and ambassadors. Amazingly, throughout he lived off the land' as it were, fishing, trading, and giving lectures to keep his pantry full. He also met some remarkable people including Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Kruger, who believing the world was flat, warned Slocum not to fall off! This adventure will captivate sailors and landlubbers alike.