“The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” is a nonfiction historical narrative written by David Grann, best known for his investigative storytelling in books like Killers of the Flower Moon and The Lost City of Z. Here is a short biography of the book and the author:
Book Title: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Author: David Grann
Published: April 18, 2023
Publisher: Doubleday
About the Book:
The Wager tells the gripping true story of the British warship HMS Wager, which wrecked off the coast of Chile in 1741 during a secret mission in the War of Jenkins’ Ear. After the wreck, the crew faced starvation, harsh elements, and internal conflict, eventually leading to mutiny, murder, and a dramatic return to England—where survivors told conflicting tales.
Grann reconstructs this harrowing event using naval records, diaries, and firsthand accounts, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, colonialism, and the fragility of truth. The book has been praised for its intense narrative, deep research, and cinematic storytelling style.
About the Author:
David Grann (born March 10, 1967) is an American journalist and bestselling author. He is a staff writer for The New Yorker and is known for turning historical and true crime stories into compelling narratives. His other major works include:
- Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (2017) – a Pulitzer Prize finalist, adapted into a film directed by Martin Scorsese.
- The Lost City of Z (2009) – a tale of exploration and obsession in the Amazon, also adapted into a film.
- The Devil and Sherlock Holmes (2010) – a collection of gripping essays.
Grann is acclaimed for blending deep investigative journalism with literary storytelling, making forgotten or complex historical events vivid and emotionally powerful