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.   By: W. H. (William Henry) Smyth (1788-1865)

The Sailor's Word-Book by W. H. Smyth is an exhaustive and comprehensive dictionary of nautical terms, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the maritime world. Though originally published in 1867, the book remains highly relevant and continues to be widely consulted by sailors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.

Divided into several sections, the book provides an alphabetical compendium of nautical terms, ensuring that readers can easily find explanations for any specific term they may encounter. What sets this dictionary apart is its inclusion of military and scientific terminology, expanding its utility beyond mere sailors. The inclusion of archaisms and terms used by early voyagers further enhances the book's historical value.

Smyth's expertise as a naval officer and experienced seaman shines through in the meticulousness of his definitions and descriptions. Each entry is detailed and comprehensive, providing background information, etymology, variations in usage, and cross-references to related terms. The author's dedication to accuracy is evident in his extensive research and consultation of numerous sources, making this dictionary an authoritative reference work.

The inclusion of detailed illustrations and diagrams enhances the book's practicality. These visual aids, combined with Smyth's clear and concise explanations, facilitate the understanding of complex and technical concepts. From knots to rigging, navigation to naval architecture, readers will find this dictionary an indispensable guide for delving into the intricate world of seafaring.

While the language used in this edition may feel archaic to modern readers, it serves as a testament to the historical significance of the book, rather than detracting from its value. Additionally, the extensive inclusion of archaisms and terms of early voyagers provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of nautical language, serving as a bridge between the past and the present.

It is worth mentioning that, given the book's specializations, it may not hold universal appeal. However, for those with a sincere interest in maritime history, seamanship, or simply an appreciation for the rich tapestry of nautical lexicon, The Sailor's Word-Book is an invaluable resource that will undoubtedly enrich their understanding and enjoyment of the subject matter.

Overall, W. H. Smyth's The Sailor's Word-Book is an exceptional reference work, combining meticulous research, clear explanations, and a wealth of detailed illustrations. It remains an essential companion for those seeking to comprehend the complex and fascinating world of nautical terminology and its historical context.

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Dialect, variant and obsolete spellings remain as printed. Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note, whilst significant changes have been listed at the end of the text. Superscript characters are preceded by the ^ character. Greek text has been transliterated and is shown between {braces}. The oe ligature is shown as [oe], and [sq] represents the square root symbol... Continue reading book >>