Superstitions of Sailors

by Angelo Solomon Rappoport

Handed down from generation to generation, these intriguing maritime legends from around the globe describe a magical world beneath and above the waves. They range from the origins of the sea, as recounted in the Mahabharata and other ancient epics, to colorful instances in English literature that reflect the age-old superstitions observed by mariners and the seafaring community.
Some of these stories attempt to interpret and explain observable phenomena such as waterspouts, phosphorescence, and St. Elmo's light. Others draw upon mystical, supernatural associations with the sea, from sightings of phantom galleys and apparitions to the mischievous deeds of mermaids, kelpies, and watersprites. Still others originate among the tall tales spun by ocean travelers, a tradition at least as old as The Odyssey and its legends of ship-destroying monsters and islands inhabited by giants, sea nymphs, and witches. Nine evocative illustrations complement these enchanting tales.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Mermaids

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1928

About the author

Angelo Solomon Rappoport (1871-1950)
Also published as A.S. Rappoport

Reviews

[Beatriz]

3.5

Lots of interesting new ideas for my fairlighted ^^

[Kendra]

I've actually had this book for several years, but apparently, it didn't get caught and added.

Originally published in 1928, so the writing is somewhat odd. Enjoyable overall, as the authors tries to put as much of various myths and legends, local information - such as certain parts of Scotland think this way, other parts react this way as an example, and around the world of the sea, and everything in it. Really interesting.

[Aaron Long]

Firstly I was fortunate to have found the original (1928) first edition hardcover for a bargain price of £25 in the excellent courtyard books in Glastonbury. The book was in somewhat rough condition but due to it's rarity I couldn't leave it behind and I'm glad I didn't because this gold mine of endless forgotten reports and testimonies from a bygone era on the high seas is simply flawless. I managed to rebind and restore the battered book back to a somewhat respectable grade and finally got around to reading these lost maritime tales. Angelo Solomon Rappoport did a superb job of compiling these reports and folk legends and it's easy to see the length he went to in bringing them to his reader. The book includes alleged true tales of mermaids,mermen,haunted ships to mysterious islands and of course traditional superstitions of sailors from all over the world. These accounts go as far back as the 1700s and even into antiquity. Quite simply put if you are curious about maritime legends, sea monsters and everything inbetween then Rappoport has you covered not to mention his finesse regarding his writing in bringing these obscure reports to your eyes. For me the reading experience was heightened due to the rustic (1928) feel and smell of the book which of course adds to the enjoyment of reading, especially due to its mysterious subject matter. The original (1928) hardcover is beautifully made with thick cardstock for pages, lovely black and white illustrated plates throughout, they just don't make books like that anymore but thankfully they still exist. One of the most memorable books I've had the pleasure of reading and devoured this in two nights, as I said maritime tales don't get much better than (Superstitions of sailors) so go and pick up the reprint which is readily available and read on a rainy evening, you will not be disappointed.

[Aaron Long]

Firstly I was fortunate to have found the original (1928) first edition hardcover for a bargain price of £25 in the excellent courtyard books in Glastonbury. The book was in somewhat rough condition but due to it's rarity I couldn't leave it behind and I'm glad I didn't because this gold mine of endless forgotten reports and testimonies from a bygone era on the high seas is simply flawless. I managed to rebind and restore the battered book back to a somewhat respectable grade and finally got around to reading these lost maritime tales. Angelo Solomon Rappoport did a superb job of compiling these reports and folk legends and it's easy to see the length he went to in bringing them to his reader. The book includes alleged true tales of mermaids,mermen,haunted ships to mysterious islands and of course traditional superstitions of sailors from all over the world. These accounts go as far back as the 1700s and even into antiquity. Quite simply put if you are curious about maritime legends, sea monsters and everything inbetween then Rappoport has you covered not to mention his finesse regarding his writing in bringing these obscure reports to your eyes. For me the reading experience was heightened due to the rustic (1928) feel and smell of the book which of course adds to the enjoyment of reading, especially due to its mysterious subject matter. The original (1928) hardcover is beautifully made with thick cardstock for pages, lovely black and white illustrated plates throughout, they just don't make books like that anymore but thankfully they still exist. One of the most memorable books I've had the pleasure of reading and devoured this in two nights, as I said maritime tales don't get much better than (Superstitions of sailors) so go and pick up the reprint which is readily available and read on a rainy evening, you will not be disappointed.

[Sam O'H]

This book is a catalog of superstitions. It would be a great research tool, but not so interesting to just read straight through.

[Heather]

Interesting book, but unfortunately neither relies on, nor gives much credit to original sources. Some of the tales were extremely intriguing, there wasn't a lot of details (which I would have liked more of) and, sadly, the bibliography doesn't contain a lof of original sources either, just compilations like this book.