The Nautical Cyclopedia

A compendium of data, definitions, descriptions, information, & trivial knowledge about ships, boats, & man's commercial & recreational involvement with the sea. More than a simple dictionary of words, this volume is a blend of terms & phrases used by marine architects, ship building consultants, naval personnel, merchant seamen, oceanographers, & the like. Written in plain English, using language which the average reader can understand, drawing analogies from everyday life, & profusely illustrated in color, this book is ideally suited for those who are gripped by the lore of the sea: divers, history buffs, armchair explorers, ship enthusiasts, readers of nautical tales, & people of all ages. This handy reference manual is an indispensable guide through the esoteric terminology of the mariner's trade--but written so it can be understood by everyone. Thus a bulkhead is described as a waterproof wall, a hull is equivalent to the floor & walls of a basement, a gudgeon is a hinge, & metacentric height is...well, not every concept can be easily explained in layman's terms. Also included are alternative spellings, proper pronunciations, usage examples, synonyms, antonyms, & comparatives. Available direct (postage paid) from the publisher: GGP, P.O. Box 57137, Philadelphia, PA 19111. Phone/FAX: 215-722-3017.