My dad read this book every fall as he sat tending a grain dryer full of corn. The Last Grain Race is an enormously entertaining book about an extraordinary adventure at the end of the era of sail. Eric Newby has done so much, and has been so many places that it boggles the mind. We were cold and wet, and yet too excited to sleep ... watching the seas rearing up astern as high as a three-storeyed house. By now the crew is getting desperate for any food different from their staple menu and Newby shares his last can of peaches with another crewman, Kroner. Let me start by saying I know nothing really about sailing or sailing ships and had no particular interest in them. George Eric Newby CBE MC (December 6, 1919 – October 20, 2006) was an English author of travel literature. A bit nautical and technical for me and you do need patience with all the Swedish/Finnish language, but the 2nd half of the book in particular was quite exciting - especially as they passed through the storm in the southern ocean. The trip was immortalized by Newby in his book The Last Grain Race, which was published 18 years later in 1956. In 1938, at the age of 17, Eric newby signed on as an apprentice seaman on the Moshulu, one of the last of the commercial sailing ships. Not only this but it's a great read and you don't. This is a fascinating look at a way of life that was about to vanish forever. The Last Grain Race: Newby, Eric: Amazon.sg: Books. Of such stuff discipline is made. Hello Select your address All Hello, Sign in. Hello Select your address All Hello, Sign in. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last ‘grain race’ of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last ‘grain race’ of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last 'grain race' of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. I am a big fan of Eric Newby's writing, and I was pleased to pick up a copy of this book, published in 1956, which I understand to be his first book. First printing. This book chronicles the beginning of his life as a true adventurer, when on the eve of WWII, he shipped out as a complete novice seaman on one of the largest sailing vessels ever built, bound for Australia and back. Eric Newby was a cracking travel writer, I have enjoyed a lot of his books but this was a favourite. In 1938 Eric Newby was a bored 18-year-old working in a London advertising agency. At the wheel a Swede and a Dane were fighting to hold her as she ran 13 and 14 knots in the gusts. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last ‘grain race’ of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. Skip to main content.sg. Interesting account providing insights into a now long-vanished way of life – tall sail ships acting as cargo vessels. The storm finally abates but not before it enters its most impressive phase. Not only this but it's a great read and you don't need to know too much about sailing, rigging and tides to understand it. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last 'grain race' of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. Moshulu was part of a Scandinavian fleet sailing to Australia to pick up a cargo of grain. In 1939, a young Eric Newby - later renowned as a travel writer of exceptional talent - set sail aboard Moshulu, the largest sailing ship still employed in the transportation of grain from Australia to Europe. “I'm in a weird place because the book is about to come out. Find The Last Grain Race by Newby, Eric at Biblio. I love Eric Newby. The Moshulu was at the time one of the largest sailing ships still transporting grain. Seller Inventory # B9780007597833. He also has to undertake horrific jobs like cleaning the heads (the lavatories) and doing backstern—washing up for the 20 occupants of the three forecastles. An engaging and informative first-hand account of the last `grain race' of maritime history, from respected travel writer Eric Newby. The last grain race Description: In the early 20th century sailing ships would compete to be the first to bring a grain cargo from Australia to the UK.