audiobook Jack Tar and the Baboon Watch: A Guide to Curious Nautical Knowledge for Landlubbers and Sea Lawyers Alike by Frank Lanier in History

Review

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Hidden Gem of Information for Landlubbers to Sea LawyersBy JustinI bought the book not knowing what to expect; but after a few pages I was pleasantly surprised. Its is an easy to read as a landlubber yet I think that even an experienced seaman would not know the history of some of these terms and their meaning. Its a collection of words and phrases that the author has said spent a life time aboard ship in the Military for the ship's news to collect; researching solid information that was saved and put into this book. The book does appear to have been written well; and while I think this is his first book; its clearly written in a way you can tell that the author knows how to write for his audience.As you can tell from the cover; the book is lightly illustrated inside with great pictures that seem out the time long ago. It brings the reader to a time when the docks were a rough place; life aboard a ship was never boring; and the language had...interesting meanings to say the least.The author does interject humor into the submissions; so this is less a straight forward dictionary then a Trivia meets Rest of the Story; with a little humor/POV from the author thrown in to the more interesting phrases so its put in terms even I could otherwise not understand.Such as when the story of the LORDS OF THE FOUL AND THE BRUTE in describing the way a particular sea port was the most violent of the day; yet when a report from the town states that a woman danced in front of the captain "clad only in her shirt" the author then explains with a wink a nod how scandalous this was in a time when beheading someone in a drunken brawl was considered "good wholesome fun". The book has the author act more of a guide; as thou the author is showing you the world yet giving his own fun spin on whats happening so its not talking down to you or leaving you behind.In the end; its a good read and a good addition to anyone's library. The language of sailor keeps you entertained; and pray you don't hear the phrase "Paint the Lion" toward your direction.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Jack Tar and the Baboon Watch is a witty interpretation of maritime history and curious ...By Mark BalderelliJack Tar and the Baboon Watch is a witty interpretation of maritime history and curious lore bordering on the marvelously bizarre. The book captures nautical history; terminology; and odd spectacle outlining life at sea before the time of kindly comforts. Full of seafaring oddities; Capt. Lanier creates a spectacular maritime story tellers’ guide providing justification with detail to base any sea story. I like “Office of the Swabber”; which indicts those caught telling the biggest whopper demotion to the lowliest position - below all others; or on the best of days; the buyer of the drinks. The book is a great read and reference for anyone with a notion for the dark optimism of the deep blue and its rich tradition – I recommend.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. NO! you cannot borrow this book! Buy your own!By SV WinsomeIf you want to have some serious fun; toss this book down at a sailing club meeting and you have the 'experts' running for cover to cover of this book! The real meaning of so many sailing terms and phrases will be brought to life... Capt Lanier has done the world a great service with this great book. So many people have tried to grab my own copy that I now have the perfect Christmas gift for all of them!