46 pages • 1 hour read
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
528
Book • Nonfiction
Wager Island • 1740s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann recounts the 18th-century wreck of the British naval ship, the Wager, during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, stranding survivors on an island off Patagonia. With little food or water, tensions rose as Captain David Cheap struggled to maintain control, ultimately leading to mutiny and murder, and the survivors faced a court martial upon their return to England. The book includes historical instances of violence and mutiny.
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Mysterious
Challenging
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Grann's The Wager is widely praised for its meticulous research and gripping narrative. Readers appreciate the vivid writing and historical accuracy, though some find the pacing uneven. The book successfully brings a fascinating, lesser-known naval journey to life, balancing detailed storytelling with insightful context. Ideal for history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Wager?
Fans of gripping historical narratives and survival tales, such as those found in Nathaniel Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea or Erik Larson's Dead Wake, will be captivated by David Grann's The Wager. This meticulously researched account appeals to readers who enjoy thrilling true stories of human endurance and maritime adventure.
John Bulkeley
John Bulkeley
A lower-ranking officer and gunner on *The Wager*. From a lower-class background, he was a hard worker and devout Christian. He emerged as a leader on Wager Island and played a significant role in the mutiny against Captain Cheap.
John Byron
John Byron
A member of distinguished English nobility, Byron joined the navy despite societal stigma. He left behind one of the detailed accounts of the events on *The Wager* and Wager Island, later rising to become a vice admiral. His experiences influenced the poetry of his grandson, Lord Byron.
528
Book • Nonfiction
Wager Island • 1740s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.