The Dictionary of Nautical Literacy

This is a handy little reference volume, but may not be what you think it is. It covers a variety of nautical topics, some loosely related. There are many references to specific ships, boats and yachts that make for interesting reading, not much in the way of pure nautical terminology. Side references to subjects with nautical themes are fun, as in an entry on "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," a great book, film, and television show about the ghost of a deceased sea captain and the woman who falls in love with him after moving into his house. On the whole a good reference book, but if you are looking for a volume on nautical lingo or terms, better off to get a maritime dictionary.

This book is wonderful. I received it for Christmas and have already consulted it many times (after having read it cover to cover). It contains information that cannot be found in other reference books. It is truly a unique and refreshing approach to our nautical world and it makes the ideal gift for young and old.

First off, the dude from New Orleans should have at least read the Book Description offered by Mr. McKenna...maybe he wouldn't have been surprised, or miss led (sic). I sure hope any potential buyers of this book don't take him seriously, because they will be missing an absolute gem. This book was not meant to be a complete compendium of every hackneyed boating term, and thank God it isn't. How much fun would THAT be to read? The Dictionary of Nautical Literacy is the kind of book you can pick up, flip open to any page, and start enjoying. You'll get at least one "I didn't know that!" on every page...guaranteed. The cross-references keep you jumping all over the alphabet, BY DESIGN. This is not meant to be read from A to Z, so don't try. I rate this as the perfect gift for anyone with a nautical bent: boater, sailor, collector, enthusiast. Get one, you won't be sorry.

Stating this is a Nautical Dictionary is a great miss direction. I believe a nautical dictionary is to be as complete as possible listing of nautical terms. That is what I thought the foundation of the book would be. Having failed on that part, I question other information contain in this book.
A good test for this book is to get any boating magazine. Highlight the nautical terms, than see how few are addressed in the book.