Widely used among young 19th-century officers in the Royal Navy and East India Company, this now-rare volume offers clear definitions and copious illustrations of the principles of rigging and other aspects of seamanship — tacking, use of a compass, splicing ropes, making sails, and much more. A must for ship fanciers and naval historians.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
The Art of Rigging by George Biddlecombe The best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship — indispensable for serious model builders. Terms and phrases, onshore operations, rigging brigs, yachts, small vessels, much more. Introduction. 17 plates.
The Arts of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework by Hervey Garrett Smith Indispensable shipboard reference covers tools; basic knots and useful hitches; handsewing and canvas work, more. Over 100 illustrations. Delightful reading for sea lovers.
Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. In 1834, a Harvard student enlisted as a common seaman, resulting in this adventure classic. Crackling with realism, it offers memorable views of a dangerous voyage, plus fascinating historical details.
Architectura Navalis Mercatoria: The Classic of Eighteenth-Century Naval Architecture by Fredrik Henrik af Chapman First published in 1768, this remarkable collection of sophisticated line drawings documents merchant and naval ships from various countries. 70 illustrations chart vessel dimensions, crew size, storage capabilities, and rigging.
Spars and Rigging: From Nautical Routine, 1849 by John M'Leod Murphy, W. N. Jeffers Important study describes every improvement made in seafaring equipment up to the mid-19th century — from anchors, bobstays, booms, and cat-head stoppers, to a flying jib, halliards, nippers, and topsail buntlines. 218 illustrations.
Superstitions of Sailors by Angelo S. Rappoport Intriguing legends from around the globe evoke a magical maritime world, with sightings of phantom galleys, mischievous deeds of mermaids and water sprites, and tall tales of enchanted islands.
