Customer Reviews

Anchors: The Illustrated History

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I WAS VERY ANXIOUS TO RECEIVE THIS BOOK BUT WHEN I DID I BECAME VERY DISAPOINTED. I EXPECTED MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT ANCHORS BUT FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE QUITE SHALLOW AND VAGUE. IT IS WAY OVERPRICED AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO FIND OUT ABOUT ANCHORS YOU WILL WANT TO GO ELSEWHERE.

Measuring 9" x 6", this compact paperback contains a full explanation of how the anchor developed from the pierced stones of ancient times to devices used by the largest of today's super-tankers and oil platforms. The book is well laid out with plenty of photographs, diagrams and drawings depicting every aspect of the anchor - including it's history, design, build, use and stowage.

As an example of the detail contained within, my local Church is named after St. Clement and I had long wondered why there was an anchor on the church gate. This book explains how, in medieval times, St. Clement was martyred by having an anchor tied around his neck before being cast overboard.

If ever anyone was trying to identify an old ship from it's distinctive Anchor, then this book might just provide the clue. A most useful tool.

NM

There aren't that many histories of the development of the anchor ("probably the single most important piece of equipment any vessel takes to sea," it says) so it's nice to have this concise and well-illustrated review by a researcher with the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, England. Although it only covers the evolution of anchors for Western maritime cultures, it's as comprehensive - and accurate - as one could ask, and more accessible than Jobling's 1993 Texas A&M dissertation on English anchor development from 1550-1850.

I was expecting much more out of this book, especially when it is the first one dedicated just for anchors. I was disappointed when I saw it and disappointed more when I read it. I think it is a total waste of time and money.