"One of those rare reference guides that is as much fun to read as it is useful. On every page this work offers fascinating testimony to the enduring importance of the sea to our culture."--Nathaniel Philbrick, author of the bestsellingIn the Heart of the Sea
While the body of knowledge associated with the sea is as vast as the sea itself, there is a core of information that is indispensable to understanding maritime history and culture. This unique reference provides that knowledge. Its m ore than 3,500 entries describe the ideas, events, and individuals that have shaped our maritime language, geography, commerce, warfare, law, literature, art, film, and more.