Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany: A Ditty Bag of Wonders from the Golden Age of Sail

 

Featuring nautical facts and feats, including superstitions at sea, the history of animals on the waves—until 1975 when all animals were banned from Royal Navy ships—and how the inventor of the umbrella helped man the British Navy, this book is packed with informative sea lore. Focusing on the glory days of tall ships, Julian Stockwin explores marine myths and unearths the truth behind commonly held beliefs about the sea, such as whether Lord Nelson's body was really pickled in rum to transport it back to England after his death at Trafalgar. Interspersed throughout are salty sayings showing the modern words and phrases that originate from the mariners of old—"cut of his jib," "high and dry," "the coast is clear," "first rate," and "slush fund." Also included is Stockwin's Top 25 list of maritime museums and historic ships around the world for anyone who wishes to explore further. Ranging from the heroic voyages of discovery in the 15th century through the iconic Napoleon wars to the glorious era of clipper ships, this miscellany celebrates and explores a colorful world we will never see again.