The Elements and Practice of Rigging, Seamanship, and Naval Tactics

The first English manual of best naval practice for aspiring young officers, first published in 1794.

David Steel (Author)

9781108026512, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 January 2011

202 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.2 cm, 0.27 kg

David Steel was one of the most respected and prolific naval publishers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. His publications focused on naval strategy and shipbuilding techniques. This influential four-volume work, first published in 1794, was the first comprehensive English manual of best naval practice. Designed for aspiring young officers, it established Steel's reputation as a publisher. The book describes theoretical and practical aspects of masts, rigging, and sails, and the science of sailing. The combination of practical advice supported by scientific and mathematical explanations and numerous illustrations provides valuable insights into British seamanship during the Napoleonic wars. Volume 1, reissued here in the 1800 edition, explains the technical terms relating to the making of masts, bowsprits, yards, blocks and oars, and describes the tools required and the methods used.

1. Explanation of terms and description of tools used in mast-making
General description of masts, &c.
2. Method of converting and lining trees for made-masts, masts of single trees, bowsprits, yards, &c.
3. Putting together and completing masts, bowsprits, yards, &c.
4. Methods of fixing masts
5. Proportions for the lengths and diameters of masts, yards, &c.
6. General description of block-making
7. Description of the tools, and explanation of the terms, &c. used in block-making
8. The practice of block-making
9. Oar-making.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]