The Sailor's Word-Book

audiobook

The Sailor's Word-Book

by W. H. (William Henry) Smyth

EN·~33 hours

Chapters

Description

A compact yet surprisingly rich reference, this alphabetic digest gathers the sea‑faring language that has guided sailors for centuries. From the everyday rope‑work and navigation jargon to the more obscure military and scientific terms, each entry offers clear, concise definitions, often accompanied by historical notes that illuminate how the word evolved. Readers will find not only the familiar commands of the deck but also curious antiquated phrases and natural‑history vocabulary that once peppered a mariner’s log.

Compiled by a distinguished 19th‑century admiral who spent a lifetime amassing practical and scholarly knowledge, the work reflects his meticulous habit of collecting anything that could aid a seaman. The careful revisions by his fellow officers preserve his exacting standards, making the book a trustworthy companion for both seasoned officers and curious land‑lubbers eager to decode the language of the deep. It’s a window into the world of old‑school navigation, offering insight and utility long after the sails have been furled.

Details

Full title

The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc.

Language

en

Duration

~33 hours (1937K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Ted Garvin, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net

Release date

2008-07-07

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

W. H. (William Henry) Smyth

W. H. (William Henry) Smyth

1788–1865

A Royal Navy officer who turned his sharp eye from the sea to the stars, he became one of the best-known popularizers of astronomy in 19th-century Britain. His writing blends practical observation, scientific curiosity, and a lifelong love of discovery.

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