New
AcquisitionsSailors' Secrets, Advice from the Masters; ed. Michael Badham & Robby Robinson; International Marine,* 1997; ISBN 0-07-039088-6; $US29.92; CA 15781
The first chapter heading says "Keep It Simple, Sweetheart". That is interesting because this occasionally confusing book is sometimes anything but. Dozens of fascinating tips on all manner of boat-running topics give instruction, amusement and rueful pause for thought. However, the index does not aways identify the chapter sub titles and, as these are not presented in alphabetical order anyway, it can be difficult to recall an idea from the pages. One exception to that is the section devoted to studying the weather. This is complete with appropriate illustration and marginal quotes, although ends with another puzzle - an explanation and drawing of the anchor bowline. The preface does imply that the authors' original intention to list "101 ways to get your boat ready…." was quickly submerged in an overwhelming flood of suggestions, so, to paraphrase a footnote on page 109, if you find it all confusing, blame the ….. and not me!
The book is strongly-bound, clearly printed volume full of interesting opinion, fact and anecdote. A delightful lucky-dip, but not really a work of reference. - EC *International Marine of Maine is now associated with McGraw-Hill.
Page prepared 30 October 2000
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