Wrecked on the Reef explores the history of American deep-water whaling ships in the Pacific Ocean during the “Golden Age” of whaling (1815–1860). The narrative brings readers into the heart of preparing for voyages and daily routines, from outfitting of the vessels, meals, recreation, and healthcare, to details of the hunt, the processing of the whale parts, and the duties and status of the sailors on board. Numerous photographs of archaeological finds from submerged shipwrecks complement the history of the industrial nature of the workplaces.