Folklore of the Sea

Myths and Legends of the Maritime World

Margaret Baker

Description

Discover a collection of the myths, legends, folktales and superstitions that sailors held dear as they travelled across the oceans and made their lives upon the sea.

Filled with the myths and legends of the deep, this new illustrated edition of the cult classic folklore collection reveals the stories that swirled on the open seas, and the customs that remain part of maritime life. The vivid, often eerie, superstitions, tales and rituals of the sea were the sailors' response to danger – immediate and uncontrolled. As a sailing-ship beat for weeks across the Southern Ocean, domain of the albatross, meeting no one in the lonely wastes, her crew felt an urgent need to appease the sea-gods. Even today, with engines, iron or fibreglass hulls, and less credulous seamen, much traditional sea lore has survived, especially in the fishing fleets.

Stories of phantom ships and crews (from the Flying Dutchman onwards), of the perennial sea-serpent, of lonely lighthouses; rituals such as the crossing-the-line ceremonies or blessing the fishing fleet; old weather lore, sailors' chanties and sea language, taboos and talismans, precautions taken at keel-laying or launching – all these are recorded and interpreted here.

For everyone who enjoys strange stories and the chilly fascination of the unconquered sea, or thrills to watch man pitting himself against merciless elements, this book is a delight and a mine of information.

Details

  • Format
    Hardback
  • Pages
    128
  • Size
    215 x 135mm
  • Publisher
    David & Charles
  • ISBN
    9781446315590
Stock Code
250334
Our Price
$46.99
Temporarily out of stock, pre-order now
Add to Favourites

Worth Considering