WHEELING, WV, Oct. 8, 2009 — A new book by David M. Quinn recounts the wreck of the world’s first super tanker, the T.W. Lawson.

Leviathan’s Master – The Wreck of the World’s Largest Sailing Ship was released this October. A true story, it is transformed into a gripping historical novella by the ship's captain’s great, great nephew, an alumnus of Wheeling Jesuit University.

The Lawson was the biggest sailing vessel ever built and the world’s first super-tanker. In the winter of 1907, the 400-foot, seven-mast schooner was making her first trans-Atlantic crossing with 2.4 million gallons of kerosene for delivery to London.

With almost 50 years of sailing experience, Captain George W. Dow was not intimidated, despite the Lawson’s checkered history. But, three weeks of hurricane winds and an angry sea conspired to defeat man and machine. Bereft of her sails, the giant ship found itself trapped in treacherous shoals off the southwest coast of Britain.

Seventeen lives would be lost, including a local pilot attempting to avert disaster. Now, Captain Dow is called to account, most especially to himself.

The author (shown at right) was born in Oak Ridge, Tenn. in 1945 and grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. Following his passion for genealogy led him to uncover remarkable stories within his family history.

First was that of his great, great uncle Michael Quinn, as told in the historical novel, It May Be Forever — An Irish Rebel on the American Frontier.

Now, drawing upon his maternal ancestry, Quinn tells the remarkable story of Captain George W. Dow, who is the narrator of the true story, Leviathan’s Master - The Wreck of The World’s Largest Sailing Ship. His latest book is published by iUniverse in paperback, dust jacket hardcover or as an e-book.

Quinn and his wife, Betsy, live in Prescott, Ariz.