Oxford has made a great reference work even better. An essential for questions about the oceans and seagoing vessels, this
A-Z encyclopedia compiles 2,600 scholarly entries that reflect sailing history from 3000 B.C. to the present. In addition to diagrams of -clipper-ship rigging, data on the battle against scurvy, sketches of sailor's knots, a drawing of a hornpipe dance, and names of sea battles and their participants, the updated companion offers information on environmental issues, a chart of the Beaufort scale, the global thermohaline conveyor, a map of Magellan's voyage across the Pacific, and methods of preserving archaeological finds. A 25-page cross-referencing index ties the obscure to the commonplace; for example, the reader looking up
'cutter cranks' is referred to the entry
achting, and
saxitoxin is cross-referenced to
hale.
The writing style suits the researcher as well as the sampler who likes browsing among fascinating sea lore, details, and courageous deeds. There are entries covering sea songs, the evolution of sails, and the 1836 rescue of a ship's crew by Grace Darling, a lighthouse-keeper's daughter. For readers of Moby Dick, A Night to Remember, The Sea Wolf, or the novels of Patrick O'Brian (who has an entry), the text answers questions about shrouds and bells, mooring and lading, and more.
A meticulous reference classic, this volume belongs in most public and academic libraries and on home reference shelves. It would also delight old salts and shore dwellers as a gift. Since the first edition is more than 30 years old, the update is welcome. Mary Ellen Snodgrass
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
"[T]his book is an invaluable reference for anyone who is interested in maritime and naval affairs and history....[I]t lives up to the billing given it by one British critic: '[a] totally absorbing work covering almost every possible subject to do with maritime matters.'"--Proceedings, April 1995
"Marvelous....Comprehends between two covers the secrets of the sea and the treasures of the men who sail on it."--Times
"Expertly edited....Tells you all you ever wanted to know about the sea."--Sunday Telegraph
"Peter Kemp and his distinguished crew of contributors and illustrators have done us proud....It's a beguiling book."--Daily Telegraph
"Deserves a place by every bunk."--The Listener
"A totally absorbing work...covering almost every possible subject to do with maritime matter."--Financial Times
"For anybody with an interest in the sea."--Guardian