A most comprehensive reference book providing excellent detailed drawings. Types of hulls, propulsion (starting with oars through “modern” boiler and engines), a multitude of sail configurations, rigging details of sailing ships with each line identified as well as block and tackle arrangements, hobbies of sailors, lighthouses, navigational aids, gunnery, and many other useful/interesting tidbits.
I doubt that anyone will be able to say that they have actually finished reading this book. There are just too many items that you’ll go back to check again and again.
Fantastic engineering/drafting/art/history book on everything related to ships/things nautical. From the frigates to battleships; from rudders to diesel engines. I've used it for reference during my writing process (fiction)... a very valuable addition to my bookshelf.