First published 2008 by The Bush Press for the author, this hardback book of 350 pages has 14 illustrations, and 14 line drawings of ships. It contains an extensive index of 2000 entries to assist reference.
Have you ever wondered what these expressions mean or where they come from? ‘All hands and the cook’ ‘Going like a fiddler’s elbow’ ‘Worse things happen at sea’.
Many books have covered nautical language and customs, but this is the first that explores the little-known colloquial language of Britain’s Merchant Navy, when Britain was a great maritime nation with ships trading to almost every port in the world.
It’s not, however, just another book of professional nautical terms. Rather, this book preserves the everyday vernacular unique to merchant seamen — and describes the social customs and institutions around the world that helped shape their working life.
Covering the hundred years from 1875 to 1975, it is a fascinating work of social history as well as a reference book for seafarers past and present, libraries, writers of fact and fiction, researchers of maritime history, etymologists — anyone interested in the working language of those colourful men, and latterly women, who spent their lives at sea during the heyday of British shipping.
It’s an ideal present too for wives and sweethearts for their seafaring menfolk and to all with an interest and love of ships and the sea.
‘I am completely and utterly impressed by the range and depth of knowledge that the book contains. I am sure it will be an invaluable source of information’.
Captain J.M.R.Sail, MNI National Chairman of The Merchant Navy Association.
‘The British Merchant Navy had a great and proud history. The author has ensured that its everyday customs, language and expressions have been admirably recorded before they are lost forever with the steady decline of the Service. This book will bring back memories of a way of life that has long gone’.
Rory Smith. Retired Commodore P & O Cruises.
Obtainable by post.
In the UK. £18.50 plus £3.00 P & P. Cheques payable to: M.D.Rushan
Captain M.D.Rushan,
17, The Croft, Bishopstone
Salisbury, Wilts. SP5 4DF E-mail: [email protected]
In New Zealand: NZ$49.95 incl. GST plus $4.75 P & P. Cheques payable to C.B.Thompson
For postage to Australia: Add NZ$6.25
Captain C.B.Thompson
2/126 Selwyn Avenue
Mission Bay, Auckland. 1071 E-mail: [email protected]