Books in the Dover Maritime series

Clearly written and amply illustrated with 208 figures, this 1904 classic offers timeless instruction. Starting with simple and useful knots, the manual proceeds to more complex varieties: eye knots, hitches, and bends, ring knots and rope shortenings, ties and lashings, and fancy knots. Additional topics include rope splicing, working cordage, hammock making, more.

Considered the major source of information about piracy in the early 18th century, this fascinating history by the author of "Robinson Crusoe" profiles the deeds of Edward (Blackbeard) Teach, Captain Kidd, Anne Bonny, others.

Describes and depicts in detail how 17th-century English, French, Dutch, and other European trading ships and warships were rigged. Over 350 fine line drawings, 25 halftones.

This book is a manual on the art of rigging the sailing ship. "The Art of Rigging" is based on the extensively revised and updated 1848 edition prepared by Captain George Biddlecombe, a Master in the Royal Navy and former merchant seaman.

Fascinating chronicle of the bands of plundering sea rovers who roamed the Caribbean and coastlines of Central America in the 17th century. Includes exploits of the infamous Henry Morgan and his burning of Panama City.

Over 150 years ago, the skills needed to operate a merchant sailing vessel were many and varied. While not nearly as much in demand today as they were in the days of the Yankee clippers, these skills nevertheless remain important and necessary to today's yachtsmen and owners of smaller pleasure boats.In this excellent handbook on basic shipboard skills, marine expert Hervey Garrett Smith offers boating and yachting enthusiasts a complete course in rigging, working, and maintaining a ship. More than 100 illustrations help the reader grasp the fundamentals and fine points of handling a ship while the author describes in detail a sailor's tools, basic knots, and useful hitches as well as the arts of splicing, handsewing, and canvas work.Other topics equally important to safe, economical, and efficient boat maintenance and management include belaying, coiling, and stowing; towing procedures; how to make a chafing gear; and much more. Easy-to-follow instructions for fashioning decorative knots, ornamental coverings, and nettings, and even how to make a proper bucket round out this engaging and informative guide.Packed with useful "hands-on" information conveyed in a chatty, humorous style, The Arts of the Sailor is the perfect book to keep aboard ship for study and for ready reference when the need arises. It also makes delightful reading for armchair sailors and the legions of landlubbers with an interest in the sea.