I'll do this review by the recommended (if unimaginative) template suggested, to wit: (1.) I bought this to add measurably to my enjoyment of P. O'Brian's fantastic seafaring tales, in which he constantly employs a vocabulary lost to most of us when the age of tall ships passed away. (2.) I like most the information in the extended entries on topics such as the all-important "Articles of War" and the immortal Horatio Nelson. These make this book much more than a dictionary. It's almost a good read unto itself. (3.) I'm disappointed by the simple fact that this glossary is far from unabridged. Depending on the size of your own vocabulary, you too may find that 'S.of W.' is missing very many fish in O'Brian's sea of words. Also, the choice of essays at the beginning seem a little arbitrary. So many pages are devoted to shipboard medicine and none, really, on the details and evolution of navel warfare. Why? Also, more maps and geographical information related to the 18th & 19th centuries would be much appreciated. (4.) I'd likely buy this book again for a gift or to replace my copy. Actually, several books answer the need, but this one was the cheapest and, for my money, the best bang for my book buck. And it's probably the most portable. RDRead full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Highly technical, totally complete, a mandatory purchase for any reader of the Aubry series by O'Brian.
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