1. Research Bowditch's life and compare the factual information with what Latham has written.

2. What else was happening in America during Bowditch's life (1773-1838) that might be relevant to the events described in the biography? What happened in his later life, after this book ends?

3. Observe Latham's methods of writing about the young Nat. What materials from your own life would you choose to chronicle? Why?

4. Incidents in Nat's early life shape him as an adult. Can you point out incidents in his formative years that foreshadow the person he becomes at the end of the book? Consider, for example, how he later uses what he leams at Ropes and Hodges.

5. Small details help a historical figure come to life for contemporary readers.

What are some such details about Nathaniel Bowditch and what do they reveal about his character?