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Rating: 
Summary: What the up and coming young British seaman read in 1819
Review: "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor: or a Key to the leading of Rigging and to Practical Seamanship" by Darcy Lever was widely used among young 19th-century officers in the Royal Navy. This is one of several Dover reprints of classic sea faring reference works that will be of special interest to fans of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, especially now that the first film based on the novels, "Master and Commander" with Russell Crowe will be coming out this year. The same thing would apply to C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower stories. This 1819 edition of "The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor" is the closest thing I have come across so far to what the young Mr. Hornblower would have been reading when he was learning the ropes on the "Indy." This volume offers concise definitions of key terms, illustrations detailing the principles of rigging, and principles of seamanship from tacking and use of a compass to splicing ropes and making sails. Consequently it is perfect for the nautical novice who has been having vicarious experiences through these great sea-faring yarns. This is a fascinating and informative look at naval history.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific reference
Review: I bought this book because I am a recreational sailor and ship modeler. I found this to be an excellent source of information on the rigging and basic operation of 19th century military and commercial sailing vessels, and it answered many questions I have had about older sailing vessels as compared to modern ones. The subject matter is laid out logically, but must be read carefully due to its original 19th century syntax and language, and the tremendous amount of detail discussed. The book starts with how strands are laid into ropes, how ropes are made into lines, the basic components of rigging (hooks, blocks, hearts, trucks, cleats), description and tying of basic seaman's knots, moving on to constrction and stepping of the masts, spars and sprits, standing rigging, running rigging, sail construction and rigging for each location on the ship, finishing with anchor rigging. As if that were not enough, the second half of the book is a fascinating treatise on practical seamanship of the day, including coming to anchor, when to use certain sails, reefing, laying to, heaving to and other heavy weather techniques. The book is illustrated throughout with hundreds of highly detailed period line drawings. Truly an 19th century version of the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and Chapman's Piloting combined, it is an absolute must for any model builder or student of sailing ships who wants to know "how it was".
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