Existing comment:
Naval Manuals:
Although much sea lore was passed through oral tradition, numerous books were available on all aspects of ship building and ship handling. Perhaps the most famous of these works was David Steel's "The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship" first published in 1794. Virtually every dimension of every line and spar in every class of ship and boat in the Royal Navy is identified. Other works focused on more limited, and more technical subjects. Two samples are shown here. |