Men, Ships, and the Sea

by Alan Villiers, National Geographic Society (Contribution by)

Illustrated with wonderful photographs and line drawings and accompanied by enticing, informative text as only National Geographic can provide!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Nautical, Naval History, Nature, Travel, Reference

436 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Mr. Alan Villiers (23 September 1903 - 3 March 1982) was an Australian sailor who had won considerable fame for himself as a result of his voyages in sailing-ships. Mr. Villiers preferred the excitement and the danger of small sailing-ships to the comfort and the safety of the modern ship.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Metzger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My lexicon, my bible, my lighthouse on a stormy night when the topgallant and mizzen masts of my brigantine have wrecked upon a barnacled jetty. Oh, Captain Villiers...

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author relates first hand experiences of sailing on these ships (either from his own experience or he quotes from historical accounts). He gives information on the strengths and weaknesses of the various types of ships and discusses the technological changes that helped free ships from being so dependant on the winds and currents.

This book cover ancient ships all the was up to modern ones. At the front of the book is a picture of sailing ship with the names of all the sails and parts. At the back is a marked picture of a steam ship. Near the end of the book, he also explains the basics of boating and what to look for in a sailing or motor boat.

This was exactly the type of information I was looking for, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it an informative, easy read.

[Sean McClintock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a nice little summary of maritime history. The book covers ancient forms of water travel to about the 1970s when the book was published. Some sections are more interesting than others, in my opinion. I found the sections about developments of trade and war ships the most interesting. But I could barely keep my eyes open during the parts involving recreational boating like yachts and speed boats. The photos and illustrations in this book overall are worth a look if nothing else. Despite my slight criticisms overall, this is a nice book for those who enjoy the topic, and there's plenty to learn and see.

[Mattia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overview of types of ships and some sailing cultures over the millennia, lots of photos and illustrations. Published by National Geographic. I was interested in the sections on Arab dhows and Chinese junks. I think the chapters on more distant history - 19th century whaling and prior - were the most interesting. I’ve seen this described as a sailing bible frequently, but I found it a fairly brief and superficial history and not about the mechanics of sailing (Villiers has many better books on that). I bought it secondhand and it was interesting but I’m putting this in the free book box.

[Daniel Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Some of it was tedious, but there were some ripping good stories too! I like particularly the story of the voyage of the Dove.

[Dick Varga · Rating 3 out of 5]

great overview of ships, history of sailing, sailors, future of life at sea. good quality photos.

[David R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An oldie but goodie. I rediscovered this in the library after many, many years gathering dust. Villiers and contributors provide lucid, concise essays on shipbuilding and naval history all the way back. As usual with National Geographic texts things are heavy in illustration.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got my copy of this book from my Grand Father who let me pour over it - as I began the process of learning my entire world history, by means of my fascination with the Sailing Ship.

[C.A. Craven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great (circa 1961 vintage) look at the history of humans and boats. I really liked that it was written, in various parts, by actual sailors, which made it seem more real to me.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting scholarly telling of a tragic whaling ship accident and it's aftermath.

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cool older book about the history of man's relationship with the sea. I think it is a book any young boy would love to read.