Customer Reviews

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Oxford's earlier paperback of this title had larger type, larger page size, better pictures. I had expected the same book. Now I think the hardbound is a much better buy.

Every time I pick up this book I find myself being drawn into reading far more than was either planned or expected. It is a beguiling book because each fact explained seems to lead to another which must also be found and read. But, in turning the pages one is constantly hijacked by something of interest which has simply caught the eye - and so it continues.

Laid out in true encyclopaedic form, this book contains almost one thousand pages of facts - many of which are supported by black and white graphics or photographs. The only exception is the colour used right at the end to show; Ships flags, ships lights, Buoys and Buoyage - all of which are, of course, wholly dependant on colour in order to be fully explained.

The bookshelf of anyone engaged in the research of ships and shipwrecks would be empty without a copy of this excellent and most useful publication.

NM

If you want the history and particulars about seafaring since time began then this is just the book. Rag sailors to plastic pushers, it's all in there. A serious research source for writers, teachers, etc. I give them away as gifts to my psuedo-seafaring friends (hoping they will learn the difference from port and starboard).

I have never been disappointed with a publication from Oxford University Press.. This book is no exception. If your interest lies in this direction, this book would be a worthwhile purchase.

The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea is a must to answer all the "out there question" I get each day on my Adventure Tours.If I don't know the answer Oxford does.A book I use ever week .
P GOTELL
TRANQUILITY COVE ADVENTURES
P.E.I. CANADA

I keep a copy of this around for those empty moments when I am bored. Opening this book to any page, I can become absorbed for a minute or an hour. ChockaBlock full of interesting tidbits. If you know any mariners, real or pretend, this book will make an excellent gift to them.