Joan Druett is a New Zealand author and maritime historian known for her works on seafaring history, particularly the experiences of women at sea. She has gained recognition for her non-fiction books like "Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World" and "Hen Frigates: Passion and Peril, Nineteenth-Century Women at Sea." Born on December 30, 1939, Druett's background in art history and her passion for nautical history have fueled her career, making her a respected figure in the field of maritime literature. In addition to historical accounts, Druett has also written a series of historical detective novels featuring the character Wiki Coffin, merging her interests in maritime history and fiction writing.