Folklore of The Sea

An appealing new, illustrated edition of a popular sea-lore classic by Margaret Baker (b.1928), originally published 1979. Now including intricate pen-and-ink illustrations by Exter-based artist Philip Harris, set sail with a fascinating miscellany of maritime folklore, from the age of sail but with many beliefs persisting into the modern day. Intriguing chapters collect old-fashioned wisdom, sea-faring traditions, taboos, and legends. From the ceremony attending ‘laying the keel’ as ‘the heart of the ship’ and hiding coins in the mast-step before ‘setting the sticks’; to why a priest of parson aboard is considered an ill omen but the emblem of a ‘pig on the knee: safety at sea’. Plus ghost ships, sea monsters, talismans, weather lore and sailor’s sayings. With literary examples and historical accounts, this fascinating delve into sailing folklore will delight anyone who has heard the call of the sea.

Hardback
22 x 14cm
196 pages
23 two-colour illustrations
FSC accredited paper