Book details

Book description

Lt Cdr Julian Stockwin shares his love and knowledge of the sea in this entertaining collection of maritime stories and little-known trivia. Featuring nautical facts and feats, including superstitions at sea, the history of animals on the waves - until 1975 when all animals were banned from Royal Navy ships - and how the inventor of the umbrella helped man the British Navy, it is packed with informative tales. Focusing on the glory days of tall ships he explores marine myths and unearths the truth behind commonly held beliefs about the sea, such as whether Lord Nelson's body was really pickled in rum to transport it back to England after his death at Trafalgar. Interspersed throughout are salty sayings showing the modern words and phrases that originate from the mariners of old - 'cut of his jib', 'high and dry', 'the coast is clear', 'first rate' and 'slush fund'. Accompanied by nostalgic black and white line drawings Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany is a charming giftbook guaranteed to appeal to the sailing enthusiast, but also amuse and inform even the staunchest landlubber. Julian Stockwin had a passionate interest in the sea from an early childhood and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15. He served 8 years in the Royal Australian Navy, seeing service around the world, including the Vietnam War. On leaving the Navy he studied Far Eastern Studies and psychology and worked as an educational psychologist and academic researcher. After returning to the UK in 1990 and working in strategic merchant shipping, Julian took up writing six years later and is now a successful novelist, particularly well known for his Thomas Kydd series. He lives in Devon with his wife Kathy.