I nominate
Forty Fathoms Deep by Ion L. Idriess. Published 1937.
Taken from the Author Note at the start of the book:
Quote:
Forty Fathoms Deep is part of the story of the pearl seas of north-western Australia. In all but a few instances, I have used names well known in the pearl world of Broome, but have taken care not to hurt susceptibilities. I am conscious I have only gleaned in a field rich with romance. There is material for many books in the adventurous lives of the men who have built up the history and industry of Broome. It is to be hoped that someone more persuasive than I will induce them to sit down and write, or, failing that, sit and talk for the enlightenment and entertainment of fellow Australians.
I am greatly indebted to numerous friends in Broome who have helped me with material and who went to such pains to get for me authentic data.
Hail and farewell, with a warm heart, to Con and old Sebaro, and to all the divers and tenders and seamen who were so patient at explaining the many things I desired to see and know.
To all, a fair wind and a hungry market when the fleets put to sea!
ION L. IDRIESS.
|
220 pages.
Approximate pricing (from Kobo):
USD $4.99,
CAD $5.99,
GBP £3.95,
AUD $6.37
It is good to see some of the Idriess books making it into electronic form, although still only a limited selection (or else I might have nominated
The Silver City or maybe
Stone of Destiny).
Like many of Idriess's books,
Forty Fathoms Deep is not entirely non-fiction and not entirely fiction, but the tales within this are definitely those of the working class. As to a labour of love ... well, if not love then maybe lust.