The nautical world is a distinctive culture with its own art, traditions, lore, literature, history, idioms and even its own legal canon. While the associated b

"One of those rare reference guides that is as much fun to read as it is useful. On every page this work offers fascinating testimony to the enduring importance

William Clark Russell wrote more than forty nautical novels. Immensely popular in their time, his works were admired by contemporary writers, such as Conan Doyl

Presents a comprehensive guide to the geography of the world, with world maps and articles on cartography, notable explorers, climate and more.

Provides information on ideas concerning people, places, ideas, and events currently under discussion, including gene therapy, NAFTA, pheromones, and Kwanzaa.