Wayward sailor : in search of the real Tristan Jones

The life of sailing's best-known storyteller is the most incredible Tristan Jones story of all.

No one really knew Tristan Jones. He was larger than life, perhaps the most successful sailing writer of the twentieth century, and by his own account the greatest sailor.

But he was not who he said he was. He told us what he wanted us to believe, and he told the tales so well that we either believed or suspended disbelief.

As Anthony Dalton reveals in this uncompromising yet admiring biography, the real Tristan Jones was both a lesser and a greater man than his invention.

Self-educated, self-taught, enormously creative, he was himself his most creative act. 'A thoroughly researched and absorbing account of Tristan Jones' lives - the one he created for himself, and the one he actually lived.

This is a necessary book for anyone who has read Tristan Jones' stories with enjoyment or suspicion, or both' - Derek Lundy, author, "Godforsaken Sea" and "The Way of a Ship". 'I was enchanted from start to finish by Anthony Dalton's biography, in which he proves that Tristan Jones' most brilliant creation was his own fascinating life story' - John Rousmaniere, author, "After the Storm", "Fastnet Force 10" and "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship". '[An] arresting study...Dalton achieves stark poignancy...Jones' story as related here should appeal to all those who love adventure, as well as to those who enjoy analyzing the wreckage of damaged, enigmatic and fascinating personalities' - "Publishers Weekly".

Anthony Dalton has been a professional expedition leader and adventure guide.

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Fellow of the Explorers Club, his articles have been published in "Classic Boat", "MotorBoats Monthly", "Ocean Navigator", "SAIL", "Sailing", "Sea", and "Yachting".