William Beebe, famed Director of the Department of Tropical Research, New York Zoological Society, has set a new target, an expedition to the Atlantic Ocean south of Bermuda. He wants to explore the depths to understand how ocean lives coexist. Beebe believes the oceans shelter more life than previously imagined, and he wants to prove he's right.
He upsets many scientists when he begins his crusade by hiring a 27-year-old woman as his science associate. Nearly the same age as his new bride, the 50-year-old skinny, bald bon vivant carries on a winter-spring relationship with his assistant while his wife is away in London working on her next novel.
Observing the popular Dr. Beebe is another strong female whom he hires as his DTR artist. Else Bostelmann uses her skills to become an important contributor to Beebe's successful reporting of his discoveries. Her artwork - eight paintings from the 1930 expedition - are published in the June 1931 National Geographic Magazine, which wants more from Beebe and Bostelmann.
The illustrations captivate readers with imagery that show what Beebe encountered as he descended into the abyss in a submersible sphere designed by Otis Barton. Barton, a wealthy engineer with aspirations for his own fame, dives in the bathysphere with his legendary idol as a condition for
building the steel ball at his own cost.
Despite a strained relationship, Beebe and Barton set unimagined depth records, and through Bostelmann's artwork, their story makes front-page news around the world at a time when the world needs a hero - William Beebe - to offset the angst of a Depression.
Else's paintings and Beebe's writing are so electrifying, NBC Radio pioneer David Sarnoff asks to send his radio crew for a live broadcast from the boat carrying the bathysphere nearly 10 miles from Bermuda's shores. Another first. But the challenge creates dangers and a deadline that almost costs the duo their lives.
The financial strain prevents Beebe from taking Bostelmann with him during the 1932 expedition. Still, the sidelined artist remains loyal to Beebe and his colleagues. Her career is improved by the fame earned from the artwork she contributed to Beebe's first Bermuda expeditions.
Further financial setbacks turn the bathysphere into a museum showpiece in 1933, but surprising funds from the National Geographic Society puts the sphere back into service and provides enough money to rehire Else Bostelmann in 1934.
Bostelmann's observations become more intrusive during her final adventure to Bermuda when Beebe and Barton complete a record dive to 3,028 feet. She probes his reasoning for taking risks in search of nature's truths. She pushes the bounds of politeness by asking him if he understands why he is unafraid, and why he cannot love just one woman. She forces Dr. Beebe to face some uncomfortable facts about himself, his daring, and his love affairs.
With its roots embedded in exploration, Beebe and Bostelmann, probes more than life beneath the sea. It examines the impact of lost love and how it affects human will.
