
Folklore of the Sea
Myths and Legends of the Maritime World
Margaret Baker(Author)
Verbena (Publisher)
Published on 13. May 2025
Book
Hardback
196 pages
978-1-4463-1559-0 (ISBN)
Description
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. Margaret Baker is unrivalled at collecting traditions of the past and showing the part they have played for generations of men in their daily lives. With brand new illustrations by Philip Harris.
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. Margaret Baker is unrivalled at collecting traditions of the past and showing the part they have played for generations of men in their daily lives. With brand new illustrations by Philip Harris.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
24 Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 142 mm
Width: 221 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
546 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4463-1559-0 (9781446315590)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Margaret Baker was an author known for her focus on the folklore and customs of rural communities in the United Kingdom and United States.