A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian by Dean King, John B. Hattendorf, J. Worth Estes Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Sea of Words, Third Edition: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian
Book Review: a much needed companion to the maturin/aubrey books
Summary: 4 Stars
anyone reading the maturin/aubrey books knows, damn that's a different language altogether! there are a lot of words and phrases that are simply no longer in our vocabulary, not even counting the esoteric naval jargon.
i love the style of the books, like diving into another world altogether. but i understand maybe 2/3s of it. no matter, even so, i'm hooked. however, it is great to find that many companion books exist. the lexicon is one of the best ones, especially for those who love language. it's easy to read, insightful and practical.
Book Review: cheat sheet
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this book a wonderful resource reading through the series for a second time. I would NOT recommend having this book during your first read through, as stopping to look up a curious phrase cuts into the flow of the book. Just as a child learns vocabulary in context THEN learns to use a dictionary, just like a traveler learns a language more thoroughly by struggling to speak it than by relying on a translator, so should one use this resource as a cheat sheet and not an open book test. The opening chapters on their own are a great read.Book Review: one star now
Summary: 4 Stars
This would be a good effort for a first edition; however; it has floundered for a third and final edition. I did not see if it has an intended audience level, but it does not even include ditty bag in it. More than 40 years ago, my ditty bag was an important part of my life at Navy Boot Camp; and we still used many of the terms that are in the O'Brian's books. There are many, many terms missing from the Aubrey/Maturin series and THE GOLDEN OCEAN. In my opinion, one can gain more insight into what is going on in the A/M series by stopping where they are and immediately reading THE GOLDEN OCEAN or reading it before they start.
I understand that work and effort went into this book, but I wish that as much work went into it as did into Mr. O'Brian's books.
The author and publisher should call this version/edition 1.3 and 'turn to and trice up.' " Sweepers, Sweepers man your brooms; give the book a clean sweep down fore and aft!"