Product Description

Lt Cdr Julian Stockwin shares his love and knowledge of the sea in this entertaining collection of maritime stories and little-known trivia. 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, it is packed with informative tales. Focusing on the glory days of tall ships he 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'. Accompanied by nostalgic black and white line drawings "Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany" is a charming giftbook guaranteed to appeal to the sailing enthusiast, but also amuse and inform even the staunchest landlubber.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7833 in Books
• Published on: 2009-07-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

About the Author
Julian Stockwin had a passionate interest in the sea from an early childhood and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15. He served 8 years in the Royal Australian Navy, seeing service around the world, including the Vietnam War. On leaving the Navy he studied Far Eastern Studies and psychology and worked as an educational psychologist and academic researcher. After returning to the UK in 1990 and working in strategic merchant shipping, Julian took up writing six years later and is now a successful novelist, particularly well known for his Thomas Kydd series. He lives in Devon with his wife Kathy.

Customer Reviews

What a Gem
What a gem !This cornucopia of maritaime morsels is an absolute delight. All the way through this book there are bit size pieces of information, clearly and cleverly set out which makes it easily digestible.You can dip in and out at your leisure, with each section and subject easy to find and written in a pleasing style.
I recommend it for anyone who is curious about the sea,our linguistic history and particularly to Quiz setters.
If you run a pub quiz, you really shouldn't be without a copy.

shame about the metric!
I am an avid reader of the stockwin novels since Patrick O`Brian crossed over the bar and although this latest book has some useful ditties and bits of info in it, I really object to the use of the metric measurements contained in this book. We have`nt gone completely metric in this country have we, and I guess a lot of these books will find their way to the states, so why put things in metric. Sorry Julian you have gone down in my estimation.

Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany
A handy book of sea which is filled with interesting facts and information. Worth every penny!