
audiobook
Transcriber’s Note:
A meticulous reference for anyone fascinated by the inner workings of ships, this work gathers the essential vocabulary of maritime construction, equipment, and combat. Drawing on the latest French and British treatises, the author explains each term with clear definitions and occasional etymology, while avoiding the clutter of unrelated astronomy or navigation theory. The accompanying plates, though modest, depict masts, rigging, and various vessel configurations, giving listeners a vivid visual sense of the ships discussed.
Beyond a simple glossary, the book delves into the practical art of ship‑building and the mechanics of sails, yards, and artillery, enriched by the author’s own observations and the insights of noted experts. Its bilingual appendix translates French sea‑terms, bridging language gaps for pilots and scholars alike. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner, a history buff, or a curious learner, the narrative offers a lively, authoritative tour of eighteenth‑century naval life.
Full title
An Universal Dictionary of the Marine Or, a Copious Explanation of the Technical Terms and Phrases Employed in the Construction, Equipment, Furniture, Machinery, Movements, and Military Operations of a Ship. Illustrated With Variety of Original Designs of Shipping, in Different Situations; Together With Separate Views of Their Masts, Sails, Yards, and Rigging. to Which Is Annexed, a Translation of the French Sea-terms and Phrases, Collected from the Works of Mess. Du Hamel, Aubin, Saverien, &c. Or, a Copious Explanation of the Technical Terms and Phrases Employed in the Construction, Equipment, Furniture, Machinery, Movements, and Military Operations of a Ship. Illustrated With Variety of Original Designs of Shipping, in Different Situations; Together With Separate Views of Their Masts, Sails, Yards, and Rigging. to Which Is Annexed, a Translation of the French Sea-terms and Phrases, Collected from the Works of Mess. Du Hamel, Aubin, Saverien, &c.
Language
en
Duration
~21 hours (1262K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2018-08-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1732–1769
Best known for the vivid sea poem The Shipwreck, this Scottish writer turned hard-won experience as a sailor into some of the 18th century’s most memorable maritime verse. He also brought his practical knowledge of ships and seafaring into a widely used dictionary of nautical terms.
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