Subject
Navigation Books
Best books
John Smith
The General Historie of Virginia, New England & the Summer Isles (Vol. I) Together with the True Travels, Adventures and Observations, and a Sea Grammar
"The General Historie of Virginia, New England & the Summer Isles (Vol. I)" by Captain John Smith is a historical account first published in 1624. This pioneering work chronicles the early English colonial efforts in North America and Bermuda under the London Company's administration. Written after Smith's controversial departure from Virginia, the book draws on both his experiences and others' accounts of events he didn't witness. The work includes the famous—and possibly embellished—story of Pocahontas saving Smith's life, a tale he had never mentioned before this publication.
William N. Brady
The kedge-anchor : $b or, Young sailors' assistant.
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Felix Riesenberg
The Men on Deck: Master, Mates and Crew, Their Duties and Responsibilities
"The Men on Deck: Master, Mates and Crew, Their Duties and Responsibilities" by Felix Riesenberg is a manual for the American Merchant Service, likely written in the early 20th century. This informative work aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various members of a ship's deck department, transitioning from the age of sail to the era of steam and steel. The book outlines the expectations and duties of seafarers, particularly focusing on the captain and his crew, thereby addressing the complexities of modern maritime operations. The opening of the book provides a comprehensive overview of the significant transitions within maritime practices, emphasizing the shift from traditional sailing vessels to steam-powered ships. It discusses the intricacies and responsibilities of the Master Mariner, who bears ultimate accountability for navigation, cargo safety, crew management, and adherence to maritime law. Riesenberg underscores the importance of proper training and knowledge within both the captain and crew, stressing that clarity in responsibilities is essential to maintaining order and discipline at sea in an increasingly complex environment. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the maritime duties expected of various crew members, which continues throughout the manual.
Ernest Gallaudet Draper
Lectures in Navigation
"Lectures in Navigation" by Ernest Gallaudet Draper is a scientific publication likely written in the early 20th century. This work has been designed as a textbook for training individuals in the fundamentals of navigation, particularly for junior officers in the United States Naval Auxiliary Reserve. The content primarily covers essential topics related to navigation such as the use of a compass, celestial navigation, and various instruments like sextants and charts that are used in maritime navigation. The opening of the book presents a foreword and a preface that set the context for the lectures. Draper explains the purpose of the lectures—to provide a comprehensible guide for the officers to learn navigation quickly and effectively. He outlines the intended structure of the course, mentioning areas of study like piloting, dead reckoning, celestial navigation, and the practical exercises that will accompany the theoretical instruction. The introduction reveals a collaborative effort, with acknowledgments to contributors and references to key navigational texts, highlighting the educational value and practical application the book aims to achieve in helping officers master the complexities of navigation.
Gershom Bradford
The whys and wherefores of navigation
"The Whys and Wherefores of Navigation" by Gershom Bradford is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book serves as an instructional guide focusing on the principles, practices, and theories of navigation, specifically aimed at those already familiar with the basics but seeking to deepen their understanding of maritime navigation. The opening of the book introduces the subject of navigation, emphasizing the importance of mastering the various methods and systems relating to direction, compass usage, and dead reckoning. Bradford outlines how effective navigation requires a thorough understanding of multiple systems, such as degrees and points of direction, and emphasizes calculations like dead reckoning that a mariner must make amid many diversions caused by natural elements. Additionally, he underscores the significance of formal training and reference materials for aspiring navigators while establishing the context of the book as a supplementary reading to existing nautical literature for those wanting to grasp the 'whys and wherefores' behind the methods they typically employ at sea.
Vicente de Almeida de Eça
O Infante D. Henrique e a arte de navegar dos portuguezes
"O Infante D. Henrique e a arte de navegar dos portugueses" by Vicente M. M. C. Almeida d'Eça is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work centers around Prince Henry the Navigator, highlighting his pivotal role in initiating the Portuguese Age of Discoveries and the advancements in navigation that stemmed from his efforts. Through a detailed examination of the historical context and developments in maritime practices, the book aims to celebrate the legacies associated with Prince Henry. The opening of the text sets the stage for commemorating the centenary of Prince Henry's significant contributions to navigation. It elaborates on the societal and historical backdrop in which he operated, moving from a general overview of his dual roles—both as a royal family member and a key figure in maritime exploration—to a focus on the advancements in navigation that he fostered. D'Eça addresses the complexities involved in early navigation, discussing the limitations and advancements of navigational tools and techniques in the context of exploration, emphasizing the importance of innovative thought as well as practical experience among early navigators.
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