The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (Oxford Paperback Reference)

However, for reasons known only to the writers and publishers, the amount of factual content and number of references in this new edition fall far short of the older version. Consequently, for those who have the older book, you will need to keep hold of it if you buy this latest edition. And sadly, far too often you will find no update for countless fascinating references, because they have simply been omitted. Very much a missed opportunity.

Readers who do not have the previous edition will undoubtedly find it fascinating, nonetheless. But it could have been so much better.


Not as comprehensive as the previous edition   November 9, 2005
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I had the previous edition of this work in paperback (definitely a five star volume) and was looking forward to replacing it with a more durable and up to date hardback copy by virtue of this new edition. I have to say I am disappointed - whatever additions and improvements have been made, the new edition is considerably shorter than the previous one, largely because it omits the information on ports of the world. To my annoyance I have therefore had to hang on to my old copy to retain access to this useful and interesting (but now dated) information - I do not understand why publishers diminish such works by limiting the content of new editions.


An Encyclopaedia of Ships and the Sea.   January 16, 2005
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Every time I pick up this book I find myself being drawn into reading far more than was either planned or expected. It is a beguiling book because each fact explained seems to lead to another which must also be found and read. But, in turning the pages one is constantly hijacked by something of interest which has simply caught the eye - and so it continues.

Laid out in true encyclopaedic form, this book contains almost one thousand pages of facts - many of which are supported by black and white graphics or photographs. The only exception is the colour used right at the end to show; Ships flags, ships lights, Buoys and Buoyage - all of which are, of course, wholly dependant on colour in order to be fully explained.

The bookshelf of anyone engaged in the research of ships and shipwrecks would be empty without a copy of this excellent and most useful publication.

NM


Utterly Absorbing   November 7, 2002
 17 out of 21 found this review helpful

In my spare time I sail on the square-rigged brigs of the Sail Training Association. If that term, "square-rigged brigs" means nothing to you, then this is the book for you.

I needed a reference book that would provide me with practical definition of a wide variety of sailing terms, but I didn't need a book about yachts as they operate in a different world. Large sailing ships are a cross between a historic exhibit and a modern merchant vessel, and this is the only book I have found that covers it all.

Even when you don't need to look up something specific it provides hours of entertainment when pages are just selected at random. There's a fascinating nautical fact on every page - guaranteed.

It's perfect for anyone who sails, anyone who's interested in maritime history, or indeed anyone who's ever wandered down to one of the ports used for the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race.