J. G. Lockhart (1794-1854) was a Scottish writer and editor, with a particular passion for investigating famous mysteries. In this analysis, he investigates the legend of the Flying Dutchman, the ghostly mariner, cursed by God, who is condemned to roam the high seas causing disaster to ships and sailors until the day of judgement, when his soul will be delivered to Satan.

Lockhart's analysis looks at various incarnations of the tale and whether the myth could in fact have its roots in a real event.