Original Etchings of the Hawaiian Whaling History

The history of whaling is the history of mankind’s fascination with whales. From the book of Genesis to Melville’s Moby Dick and the modern-day love of whale watching, these animals have held a special place in our hearts and mind.

Humans have developed an unending body of legends and stories that have filled many libraries. Most of the writings are illustrated with splendid woodcuts, copper and steel engravings. Some of engravings are from the early 13th Century. The originals are rare and highly collectable.

In the mid 1800’s whaling and the provisioning of the whaling fleet brought new prosperity to the economy of the Hawaiian Islands. At times several hundred whaling ships wintered in the Hawaii ports, principally in Laheina and Honolulu. Hawaii also offered whaling men a mild climate and friendly natives.