The Sailor's Word Book: The Classic Source for Over 14,000 Nautical and Naval Terms

Landlubbers may be surprised to learn that at sea, a sheet is made of rope, not cloth. But even experienced sailors will discover new meanings for everyday words in this unique nautical reference. First published in 1867, The Sailor’s Word-Book defines some 14,000 terms from A, “the highest class of merchant ships,” to zumbra, “a Spanish skiff or yawl.” Whether the reader is a naval history buff, a fan of nautical fiction, or a yachting enthusiast, this new edition of a classic will prove a seaworthy companion.

William Henry Smyth (1788-1865) devoted most of his naval career to surveying, and the results, often carried out in collaboration with French, Austrian and Neapolitan surveyors, were highly acclaimed. He was a Fellow and, later, President (1849-51) of the Royal Geographical Society. In 1858 he began to assemble the Sailor's Word-Book from material amassed during his long career. Although he completed the work, he died before he saw its publication.