
A clear, methodical guide that opens the world of 18th‑century seafaring, this work walks listeners through the language and practice of ship construction. From hull shapes and timber selection to the intricate rigging that catches the wind, each term is defined with practical examples, turning what could be a maze of jargon into a navigable map for anyone curious about how a vessel is prepared for the open sea.
Beyond the technical details, the book offers a glimpse into the naval community of its day, noting the official endorsements and the extensive roster of Admiralty officers, shipwrights, and merchants who supported its publication. Listeners will hear the same authoritative voice that guided the Royal Navy’s finest, gaining a sense of the discipline and expertise that underpinned Britain’s maritime dominance. It’s an invitation to step aboard a historical shipyard and understand the craft that powered an empire.
Full title
A Naval Expositor Shewing and Explaining the Words and Terms of Art Belonging to the Parts, Qualities and Proportions of Building, Rigging, Furnishing, & Fitting a Ship for Sea
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (163K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2016-08-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known for a vivid late-18th-century dictionary of seafaring language, this writer opened a window onto the working world of wooden warships. His surviving work still appeals to readers curious about how sailors built, rigged, and spoke about ships at sea.
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