A Sea of Words, Third Edition. A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian

Customer Reviews

Valuable reference, could use more contextual quotes

2008-09-30
Second Edition.

A valuable companion for O'Brian's books that would be even better if included more contextual quotes or explanations of how O'Brian used some of the terms in the books.

Pair this with Harbors and High Seas, 3rd Edition : An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Complete Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian, Third Edition on your reference shelf if you are a real fan.

An Excellent Companion Volume For The Series

2008-09-20
Covering all of the arcane terms and characters from the age of Napoleonic Fighting Sail, this book makes an excellent companion for the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian. From an "Able Seaman" to a "Younker", "a Sea Of Words" covers the terms needed to understand this lost age. A vital reference for any arm-chair Admiral.

Unless you are an expert in the subject of square-rigged sailing ships, this book should be purchased along with the first book of the series "Master and Commander" and remain at one's side. It will serve the reader in good stead throughout the entire series.

A Sea of Words

2008-07-14
An excellent book, I found all the words I could not find in other nautical terms compilations, well described too!

A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Compa... is

2008-05-28
Sea of Words, Third Edition is the essential companion to the completed set of Aubrey-Maturin sea tales by Patrick O'Brian. You can't find these words in other dictionaries.

A MUST HAVE COMPANION TO O'BRIEN & LAMBDIN'S BOOKS

2008-04-27
Without a good sea jargon dictionary the reader will loose the essence of rolling along with any sailing author. I keep at hand when roving with Lewrie and Aubrey on the briny.

Too Incomplete To Be Worthwhile

2008-01-26
This comprehensive lexicon provides definitions of nautical terms, historical entries describing the people and political events that shaped the period, and detailed explanations of the scientific, medical, and biblical references that appear in the novels.

The Complete Aubrey/Maturin Novels

2007-12-28
I bought the Patrick O'Brian anthology as a Christmas present for my husband. He has always been intrigued by the Navy and the Tall Ships and the history they played when our nation was formed. I think he vicariously sees himself as C.S. Forester's 'Horatio Hornblower'. I guess this could explain why he likes to do dishes, laundry or anything else that involves using water. He is a former Navy submariner(1957) and, me thinks, a person has to be daft or have an absolute affinity for any body of water no matter how great or how deep. In consideration of the enormity of this collection, I doubt that I will see my husband for several months as he will have his nose into these books...and enjoy riding the high seas once again.

Surfing the Sea of Words

2007-10-18
An illuminating volume to have on hand as you read the Patrick O'Brian Series. Provides back story and details of those times, along with maps and diagrams. Nauticle terminanolgy decoded. Highly reccomend, could only wish for more diagrams.

A need to have

2007-10-05
This book is a fundamental reading for those who love O'Brian books and want to make the most of of them.
A couple more pictures would have helped, but it gives you all you need to know to enhance your reading experience

Not that impressed with this book

2007-10-02
I was fairly disappointed with this book, given some of the rave reviews I've read about it. In a consecutive fashion, several of the phrases I looked up weren't in there, to the point where I gave up using it and am just reading the books.

Perhaps it's for the best though, the book flows better without interuption, if at the expense of full understanding. I wouldn't recommend buying this book. It doesn't answer what you need it for -- terms that aren't used anymore, but aren't in the dictionary either.