Promotional Information

A unique and fascinating study into why, historically, sailors have been seven times more likely to suffer from severe mental illness and how the sea continues to have the power to drive people mad.

About the Author

Nic Compton is a widely published author, journalist and photographer. Formerly the Editor of Classic Boat magazine for 5 years, he then branched out into a freelance writing career and has written 5 books for Adlard Coles Nautical: Ultimate Classic Yachts (published to great acclaim),The Anatomy of Sail, Why Sailors Can’t Swim, Iain Oughtred, and Titanic on Trial.

Reviews

Marvellous, engrossing and horrifying… Off the Deep End is immensely informative and readable, and hugely provocative. My best book of the year.
*The Big Issue*

This horrifying and engrossing book could scarcely be improved upon. A lightly-worn but gripping contribution to the field, well researched and full of anecdote and comparison.
*The Spectator*

A fascinating and engrossing nose dive into the under-reported depths of nautical insanity.
*Kirkus Reviews (US)*

A fun, amusing and engaging history of men and women who went mad at sea.
*Blue Water Sailing*

Compton's collection of questionable-sanity stories covers centuries of sailing in a way that is part history, part horror and part hypothesis. Whichever part appeals to you, this book is a fascinating and cautionary tale.
*Sailing*

Must-reading for nautical enthusiasts with a strong stomach and readers intrigued by the body-mind connection and other psychiatric matters.
*Booklist*

Highly recommended.
*Yachting Monthly*