It is 1887, the dawn of the modern world. Henry May, the golden child of one of New York's finest families, is coming to the end of his long road to self destruction. Running into Henry Long, an old friend who is suffering from a terminal illness, proves to be the beginning of a profound journey for both men. They re-kindle their friendship and we discover that each needs the other but for different reasons. Together they journey away from family and pressures in New York to take a Christmas whaling expedition. In the harbor town of New Bedford their true motives are revealed and each man changes irrevocably. HENRY MAY LONG examines the nature of unrequited love and true friendship which are explored against the backdrop of 1887 New York and New Bedford, moving from Henry May's family mansion to fashionable cafes to harbor-side, where the majestic whaling ships are docked.