The elements and practice of rigging and seamanship, vol. 1

This comprehensive British naval manual was the first of its kind and firmly established David Steel’s reputation as an important naval publisher. It provides extensive instructions on how to prepare a ship for sail and the basics of seamanship and naval tactics. Heavily illustrated with engraved plates and moveable diagrams, it covers everything from mast and sail making to rigging and rope making. It was an invaluable and influential volume during the Napoleonic Wars.