Facsimile editions of books on Naval Architecture, Rigging and Seamanship printed 1700 – 1799

• anon.: Der geöffnete See-Hafen/ Worinnen nicht allein der meisten Nationen und Regenten, ingleichen fürnehmer See- und Handels-Städte in allen Theilen der Welt gewöhnliche Schiff-Flaggen und andere See-Zeichen/ sondern auch alle äusserliche und innerliche Theile eines vollkommenen Schiffes/ nebst vielen Merckwürdigkeiten/ So wohl in einer deutlichen Beschreibung Als zierlichen Kupffer-Figuren anmuhtig zu erblicken.
  Benjamin Schillern, Hamburg, 1705. 12mo, 12,5×7 cm, 176 pp, 14 plates of flags & 3 fold. plates of ships.
  Facsimile: Ernst Kabel Verlag, Hamburg, 1989. 12mo, xviii, 176 pp, 17 plates & (2), 116, (2) pp, first and second part reprinted and with a xviii pp foreword by Lothar Eich.

  First edition 1700. Second part in 1706 which deals with navigation has the title Fortsetzung des Geöffneten See-Hafens/ In welchen eine zulängliche Nachricht von der Schiffahrt selbsten/ Und wie ein jeder begreissen/ verstehen und davon urtheilen soll/ Auch denen so zur See dienen wollen/ zur Erlernung leichte Wege gewiesen werden, by C.B.A.
  References: Private Collection*; GV; NHSM.

• Davies, John: The Seaman's Speculum or Compleat School-Master.
  Eben. Tracey, London, 1711. -4to, (4), 164 pp, ill.
  Facsimile: Nautical Research Guild, Bethesda 1985. 200 copies. 4 pp introduction.

  This book is only known in one copy in an institutional library.
  References: Private Collection*; US Navy Dept. Library/RCA Bibl.

• Sutherland, William: The Ship-Builders Assistant: or, some Essays towards Compleating the Art of Marine Architecture: viz.
  I. A General Introduction, wherein is consider'd the Solid of Least Resistance, so far as relates to the Formation of a Ship's Body, &c.
  II. Observations for Regulating the Price of Timber, taken from the Proportion of its different Dimensions; with Estimates of the Value of Oak Timber, and several other Materials relating to Naval Stores.
  III. Rules for Building the Hull of any Sort of Ships. To which is added the Scantling or Measuring of Ship-Timbers, and some Directions about Moulding them.
  IV. A New Method for finding the Tunnage of any Ship.
  V. Rules for Proportioning the Rigging. To which is Annexed, an Explication of the Principal Terms used in this Art. The whole Illustrated with many Schemes proper to each Part, most of them from Copper Plates.
  Printed for R. Mount, A. Bell & R. Smith, London, 1711 (1st). -4to, 16×11 cm, (12), 165 pp, ill., 13 fold. plates (some coloured).
  Facsimile: Jean Boudriot Publications, Rotherfield, 1989.

  A cancellandum titlepage has the imprint: Printed for A. Bell … and R. Smith …

  Other editions 1721 (?), 1726 (2nd), 1755, 1766, 1784, 1794 and 1840.
  References: Private Collection*; Marinens Bibliotek, Copenhagen*; Essex - Peabody Museum*; National Maritime Museum; RCA Bibl; NUC; Adams.

• anon.: Der geöffnete See-Hafen. Worinnen nicht allein der meisten Nationen und Regenten, ingleichen fürnehmer See- und Handels-Städte in allen Theilen der Welt gewöhnliche Schiff-Flaggen und andere See-Zeichen. Sondern auch alle ausserliche und innerliche Theile eines vollkommenen Schiffes zu erblicken.
  Hamburg, 1715 (3rd). 12mo, 176 pp, 14 plates.
  Facsimile: Schiffbautechnischen Gesellschaft, Hamburg, 1954.

  The 1st edition is from 1700. Also in Der Geöffnete Ritterplatz.
  References: Wede 30:408.

• (Allard, Carel): L'Art de batir les vaisseaux, et d'en perfectionner la construction; de les garnir de leurs apparaux, les mettre en funin, les manoeuvrer, &c. Avec la Coupe d'un Vaisseau de Premier Rang, les Devis de plusieurs sortes de Vaisseaux, les Outiles & Machines des Ateliers de Construction, les Instruments de Mathematiques servans à la Navigation, leurs Descriptions & Figures; diverses Listes & Tables concernant la Construction, l'Equipement, &c. Outre les pavillions des divers etats. Le tout tiré des meilleurs Auteurs Hollandois, comme Witsen, van Eyk, Allard, etc.
  David Mortier, Amsterdam, 1719. 4to, 18×11,5 cm, (4), 82, 34, 101 pp & viii, 175 pp, ill., 23 plates, 90 plates of flags.
  Facsimile: Rome, 1959. 103 pp, 27 plates.
  Facsimile: Omega, Nice, 1990 2000 copies.

  The title page of the second part gives Tome Second but the text starts with Tome premier, seconde partie. Usually bound with Les pavillions …, 1718.
  References: Private Collection*; HSMK*; Kungl. Örlogsmannasällskapet, Karlskrona; The Mariners' Museum; National Maritime Museum; Essex - Peabody Museum; Polak 56.

• Hulls, Jonathan: A Description and Draught of a New-Invented Machine for carrying Vessels or Ships Out of, or Into any Harbour, Port, or River, against Wind and Tide, or in a Calm. For which, His Majesty has granted Letters of Patent, for the Sole Benefit of the Author, for the Space of Fourteen Years.
  Printed for the Author, 1737. -8vo, 16 cm, 48 pp, 1 fold. plate.

  J. Sheepsshanks, London, 1855 (repr.). 39 copies.
  Facsimile: E. & F.N. Spon, London, 1860.
  Facsimile: Spon, London, 1873.

  Also reprinted in Great Britain, Patent Office, Supplement to the series of letter patent and specifications of letters patent for inventions recorded in the Great seal Patent office, and granted between the 1st March (14 Jac. I.) A.D. 1617, and the 1st October (16 Vict.) A.D. 1852 … Edited by Bennet Woodcroft …
  Vol. I, London, 1858, pp (147)-160.

  A proposal to employ a Newcomen engine to propel a ship in water.
  References: NUC; Francis Edwards 839:524.

• (Bushnell, Edmund): Marine Architecture: or, Directions for Carrying on a Ship, from the first Laying of the Keel to her actual Going to Sea. Shewing I. The Proportions used by Experienced Ship-Wrights in Building, both Geometrically and Aritmetically performed. Also the Making, Marking, and Ordering a Bend of Moulds: With a large Table of the Square Root, and Directions concerning the Measuring of Ships. II. Directions for Masting and Yarding of any Ship, or making both in a just Proportion to the Ship, and to one another; both as to Length and Thickness. Also Directions for Cutting out the Sails. III. The Boatswain's Art, Shewing how to Rigg a Ship, or to know the Length and Thickness of every Rope exactly; with Cordage Tables, to know by Inspection the Weight of any Rope, whose Length and Thickness is given; and the Constructing or Making of the said Tables. The whole Illustrated with Schemes and Draughts to make it intelligible to all Capacities.
  William Mount and Thomas Page, London, 1739. 8vo, 17,5×11,5 cm, 80 pp, ill., 2 fold. plates.
  Facsimile: Scolars' Facsimiles & Reprints, Delmar, NY, 1993. c100 pp, 2 fold. out plates.
  With an introduction by Brian Lavery, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

  Identical to the 5th edition of The Compleat Ship-wright. With a 13th chapter on rigging added with texts from Miller and Bond.
  Adams gives 1738. Another edition 1748.
  References: John Carter Brown Library*; Adams.

• Gaztañeta Yturribalzaga, Antonio de: Arte de Fabrica Reales.
  Lunwerg Editores SA, Barcelona, 1992. 2 vols, xi, 139 pp, ill. & iii, 235 pp, ill.
  Edición Comentada del Manuscrito Original.
  Reviewed in IJNA Vol. 23 (1994), pp 70-71; MM Vol. 80 (1994), p 362.

• Blankley, Thomas Riley: A Naval Expositor, shewing and explaining and explaining the words and terms of art belonging to the parts, qualities, and proportions of building, rigging, furnishing, & fitting a ship for sea. Also all species that are received into the magazines and on what services they are used and issued. Together with the titles of all the inferior officers belonging to a ship with an abridgment of their respective duties.
  E. Owen, London, 1750. 4to, 191, (6) pp, ill.
  Facsimile: Jean Boudriot Publications, Rotherfield, 1988. 8vo, (2), vi, (8), 191 pp, ill. 25 + 725 copies.
  A manuscript to this work is dated January 1732/3. Another edition was published in 1755.
• Mountaine, William: The Seaman's Vade-Mecum, and Defensive War by Sea: containing the Proportions of Rigging, Masts and Yards Weight of Anchors, Sizes and Weight of Cables and Cordage, List of the Navy. The Exercise of the Small Arms, Bayonet, Granadoes and Great-Guns, Duty of Officers, &c. also Shewing how to prepare a Merchant-Ship for a close Fight. Chasing; … Defensive-Fighting; … Naval Fortification; … An Essay on Naval Book-keeping; …
  W. and J. Mount & T. and T. Page, London, 1756. 12mo, (10), xii, 270 pp, ill., 4 plates.
  Facsimile: Conway Maritime Press, London, 1971.

  First edition 1744.
  References: Private Collection*; Adams.

• Duhamel du Monceau, Henri Louis: Elémens de l'Architecture navale, ou Traité pratique de la construction des vaisseaux. Seconde édition, revue, corrigée et augmentée d'un chapitre.
  Charles Antoine Jombert, Paris, 1758 (2nd). 4to, 18×10,5 cm, frontispiece, xliv, 49, ii-xxxix, (1), 51-484 pp, 24 plates on folding sheets.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1970 (500 copies).

  With chapter vignettes engraved by Nicolas Ozanne. With a chapter on the center of gravity and metacenter added.

  First edition 1752, this edition was translated into German in 1791.
  References: Private Collection*; Sjöfartsmuseet, Gothenburg*; Kungl. Örlogsmannasällskapet, Karlskrona; The Mariners' Museum; Essex - Peabody Museum; Polak 2860; RCA Bibl.

• Chapman, F. H. af: Architectura navalis mercatoria navium varii generis mercatorium, capulicarum, cursoriarum aliarumque cuiuscunque conditiones vel molis, formas & rationes exhibens, exempus aere incisis demonstrationibus denique, dimensionibus, calculisque accuratissimis illustrata.
  Hans George Lange, Stockholm, 1768-69. Atlas folio, 46×75 cm, frontisp., 14 pp, 62 plates.
  Facsimile: R. Loef, Magdeburg, 1936. 25×40 cm.
  Reprint: SSHM, Stockholm, 1956 (New impression from the original plates). 30 copies.
  Facsimile: R. Loef, Magdeburg, 1957. 21×33 cm.
  Facsimile: R. Loef, Magdeburg, 1962. With a 12 pp introduction by Dr. I.F. Neumeyer and preface by H. Winter.
  Facsimile: Edward W. Sweetman, New York, 1967. 26×40 cm, (3), 62 plates.
  Facsimile: VEB Hinstorff, Rostock, 1968. With an extract from a German translation of Tractat om Skepps-Byggeriet (1775).
  Facsimile: Delius, Klasing & Co, Bielefeld, 1970 [2nd]. 34×45 cm, 102 pp, With an extract from a German translation of Tractat om Skepps-Byggeriet (1775).
  Facsimile: Adlard Coles, London, 1971. The plates from the preceding edition but with an extract from A Treatise on Ship-Building, 1820, the English translation of Tractat om Skepps-byggeriet.
  Facsimile: Delius, Klasing & Co, Bielefeld, 1984 [4th].

  This is a magnificent collection of plans of merchant ships, privateers, and pleasure craft comprising: First Class: Ten draughts of frigate built ships of 1140 to 65 tons with ship, snow, schooner or sloop rigging; Second Class: Four draughts of hagboats of 1164 to 548 tons with ship rigging; Third Class: Six draughts of pink built ships of 416 to 52 tons with ship, snow, brigantine or sloop rigging; Fourth Class: Ten draughts of cat built ships of 1097 to 43 tons with ship, snow, brigantine or sloop rigging; Fifth Class: Ten draughts of bark built ships of 1257 to 41 tons with ship, snow, brigantine or sloop rigging; 16 draughts of vessels of small draught of water; Five draughts of packet ships; Ten draughts of pleasure vessels for sailing; Eight draughts of pleasure vessels for rowing; 22 draughts of boats, large and small for the use of ships; 13 draughts of privateers; Eleven draughts of vessels of war; Nine draughts of merchant ships or vessels; Two plates of launching and manner of rigging; The frontispiece of the Stockholm harbour is engraved by Årre, the rest of the plates were engraved by Chapman's nephew Lars Bogman.
  The intended text volume was not published until 1775 and with the title Tractat om Skepps-Byggeriet and was then a work on its own.
  References: Private Collection*; G.W. Blunt White Library*; Kungl. Örlogsmannasällskapet, Karlskrona; SSHM.

• Duranti de Lironcourt, de: Instruction élémentaire et raisonnée sur la construction pratique des vaisseaux, en forme de dictionnaire: Ouvrage publié par ordre de Monseigneur de Boynes, Secretaire d'État, avant de Département de la Marine.
  J.B.G. Musier Fils, Paris, 1771. 8vo, 14,5×8 cm, xxxii, 271 pp, 2 fold. tables.
  Facsimile: OMEGA, Nice, 1986.

  References: Private Collection*; Polak 3061; NHSM.

• Chapman, F. H. af: Tractat om Skepps-Byggeriet, tillika med Förklaring och Bevis öfver Architectura Navalis Mercatoria &c.
  Johan Pfeffer, Stockholm, 1775. 4to, 15,5×12 cm, xvi, 248 pp, 19 tables, 8 fold. plates.
  Facsimile: SSHM, Stockholm, 1960. 8vo, (6), (9), 202-223 pp. Only chapter 12 with the explanations to the plates of the Architectura Navalis Mercatoria, 1768.

  Pp 7 & 241 incorrectly numbered 8 & 141.

  Chapman's most important work. Introduces his parabolic method of construction and the first use of Simpson's rule in naval architecture. Translated into French in 1779 and again in 1781, but it was not translated into English until 1820 and possibly also a Russian edition.
  References: Private Collection*; SSHM; Marinmuseum, Karlskrona; The Mariners' Museum; Sjöfartsmuseet, Gothenburg.

• Hutchinson, William: A Treatise on Practical Seamanship; with Hints and Remarks Relating Thereto: Designed to Contribute Something towards Fixing Rules upon Philosophical and Rational Principles; to Make Ships, and the Management of Them; and also Navigation, in General, more Perfect, and Consequently less Dangerous and Destructive to Health, Lives, and Property.
  Printed for the Author, Liverpool, 1777 (1st). 4to, 20×14 cm, frontisp., xiv, 213 pp, 10 plates.
  Facsimile: Scolar Maritime Press, London, 1979. With a 7 pp introduction by Morin Scott.

  Other editions 1781 (2nd), 1787 (2nd), 1791 (3rd?) and fourth edition 1794 with the title A Treatise on Naval Architecture.
  References: Private Collection*; Adams; Kungl. Örlogsmannasällskapet, Karlskrona.

• Romme, Nicolas Charles: Description de l'Art de la Mature.
  (Impr. Delatour), Paris, 1778. Folio, 29×17 cm, 82 pp, 8 plates.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1972. With 8 pp new introduction. 500 copies.
  Facsimile: Slatkine Reprints, Geneve, 1984.

  One of the 131 volumes making up the Descriptions des Arts et Metiers published by the l'Academie de Sciences during 1761-1789.
  References: Private Collection*; Kungl. Örlogsmannasällskapet, Karlskrona; Marinens Bibliotek, Copenhagen; The Mariners' Museum; Polak 8370.

• Chapman, F. H. af: Traité de la construction des vaisseaux, avec une explication ou l'on démontre les principe de l'architecture navale marchande & des navires armés en course …
  Saillant et Nyon, et Veuve Desaint, Paris, 1779. Folio, 29,5×17 cm, (2), viii, 165, (2) pp, 8 fold. tables, 11 fold. plates.
  Facsimile: Slatkine Reprints, Grenoble, 1984.

  One of the 131 volumes making up the Descriptions des Arts et Metiers published by the l'Academie Royale de Sciences during 1761-1789. Translated by Pierre Charles Lemonnier from the original Swedish edition of 1775. A second superior translation appeared in 1781.

• Falconer, William: An Universal Dictionary of the Marine: or, a Copious Explanation of the Technical Terms and Phrases Employed in the Construction, Equipment, Furniture, Machinery, Movements, and Military Operations of a Ship. Illustrated with Variety of Original designs of Shipping, in different Situations; Together with separate Views of their Masts, Sails, Yards, and Rigging. To which is annexed, a Translation of the French Sea-Terms and Phrases, collected from the Works of Mess. Du Hamel, Aubin, Saverien, &c. By William Falconer, Author of The Shipwreck. A New Editions, Corrected.
  T. Cadell, London, 1780. 4to, (10), 412 pp, ill, 15 plates.
  Facsimile: David & Charles, Newton Abbot, 1970.
• Romme, Nicolas Charles: L'Art de la Voilure.
  Impr. Moutard, Paris, 1781. Folio, 31×18 cm, 68 pp, 9 plates.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1972 [500 copies].
  Facsimile: Slatkine Reprints, Geneve, 1984.

  One of the 131 volumes making up the Descriptions des Arts et Metiers published by the l'Academie de Sciences during 1761-1789.
  References: Private Collection*; Polak 8371.

• Encyclopedie Methodique Marine, dediee & presentee à Monseigneur le Marechal de Castries, Ministre & Secr. d'Etat au Departement de la Marine.
  Panckouke, Paris, 1783-86. 4 vol, 4to, xvi, 712 pp, 1 fold. table & (4), 784 pp & (4), 897 pp & 156, xvi plates.
  Facsimile: OMEGA, Nice, 1986-87.

  Other editions 1789-1790 & An VI (1798). The editition of (1775) was reissued without changes 1793.
  References: Private Collection*; Polak 3161.

• Stalkartt, Marmaduke: Naval Architecture or the Rudiments and Rules of Ship Building Exemplified in a Series of Draughts and Plans. With Observations Tending to the further Improvements of that Important Art.
  Printed for the Author & Sold by J. Boydell, & J. Dodsley & J. Sewell, London, 1787 (2nd). Folio, 27,5×14 cm, frontispice, (6), iv, 231, (5) pp & elephant folio atlas of 14 plates on 17 sheets.
  Facsimile: Jean Boudriot Books, Rotherfield, 1991.

  First edition in 1781, third 1803. The list of subscribers omitted from the first edition, otherwise apparently a re-issue.
  References: Private Collection*.

• Forfait, Pierre Alexandre Laurent: Traité élémentaire de la mature des vaisseaux, à l'usage des élèves de la Marine, Composé & publié, d'après les ordres de Monseigneur le Maréchal de Castries, Ministre & Secrétaire d'État au Département de la Marine.
  Clousier, Paris, 1788 (1st). 4to, 17×11 cm, xl, 294 pp, 24 fold. plates.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1979.

  Second edition 1815.
  References: Private Collection*; Marinens Bibliotek, Copenhagen; The Mariners' Museum; Scott 2888; Polak 3522; RCA Bibl.

• Duhamel du Monceau, Henri Louis: Anfangsgründe der Schiffbaukunst oder praktische Abhandlung über den Schiffbau. Aus dem Französischen des Herrn Henri Louis DuHamel du Monceau … nach der zweyten Ausgabe der Originals übersetzt von C.G.D. Müller … Übersetzt und mit Anmerkungen vermehrt von Christian Gottlieb Daniel Müller, Mit einem Titelkupfer, zehn Wignetten und achtzehn grossen Kupfern.
  Joachim Pauli, Berlin, 1791 (2nd). +8vo, 18,5×13 cm, frontisp., (6), lxxii, 518, (62) pp, ill., 18 fold. plates.
  Facsimile: Horst Hamecher, Kassel, 1973.

  Pp 197-203 are fold. tables printed on one side only, page 207 is double spread.

  Volume 19 of Schauplatz der Kunste und Handwerke …

  Pages IX-XLVIII contains an annotated bibliography of books on Naval Architecture.

  A practical treatise on the construction of vessels, a classic in naval architecture and a most important work of the period. The translator has made additions relating to the building of merchantmen. The last 28 pp consist of a combined index and dictionary.

• Lescallier, Daniel: Traité pratique du gréement des vaisseaux et autres batiments de mer … ouvrage publié par ordre du Roi, pour l'instruction des Eleves de la Marine sous le Ministre de M. de Fleurieu.
  Clousier & F. Didot, Paris, 1791. 2 vol., 4to, xxiv, 488 pp & (8), 83 pp, 34 plates, 23 pp.
  P. Elmsly, London, 1791. 2 vol., 4to, xxiv, 488 pp & (8), 83 pp, 34 plates, 23 pp.
  G. Dufour, Amsterdam, 1791. 2 vol., 4to, xxiv, 488 pp & (8), 83 pp, 34 plates, 23 pp.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1968. 2 vols, 870 copies. With a 5 pp preface.
  Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1973. (10) pp preface by Jean Sabbagh.

  With parts on French naval architecture.

• Shipbuilding Timber for the British Navy: Parliamentary Papers, 1729-1792.
  c1792.
  Facsimile: Scolars' Facsimiles & Reprints, Delmar, NY, 1993. c240 pp, 2 fold. out plates.
  With an introduction by R.J.B. Knight, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

• Hutchinson, William: A Treatise on Naval Architecture. Founded upon Philosophical and Rational Principles, Towards Establishing Fixed Rules for the Best Form and Proportional Dimensions in Length, Breadth and Depth, of Merchants Ships in General, and also the Management of them to the greatest advantage, by Practical Seamanship; with important hints and remarks relating thereto, especially both for defence and attacks in war at sea, from long approved experience. Fourth edition, enlarged and improved.
  T. Billinge, Liverpool, 1794 (4th enl.). 4to, 21×14 cm, frontisp., xvi, 304 pp, 12 plates (1 folding).
  Facsimile: Conway Maritime Press, Greenwich, 1970.

  The first edition 1777 with the title A Treatise on Practical Seamanship.

• Steel, David: The Elements and Practice of Rigging and Seamanship.
  Printed for David Steel, London, 1794. 2 vol, -4to, 21×17,5 cm, xv, (3), 242 pp, 1 tab., 62 plates & (32), 243-426, (4), 147 pp, ill., 27 plates & 94 fold. plates.
  Reprint: Foyles, London, 1932. 4to, xvi, 300 pp, 59 plates. Edited by C.S Gill and with the title Elements of Mastmaking, Sailmaking and Rigging. Reprint of the sections on Mast-making, Sail-making, Rigging and the plates from the edition of 1794. The rigging tables are from the 1806 edition.
  Facsimile: Sim Comfort, London, 1978. 500 copies.

  New editions of the chapters of the 1794 edition appeared as separate parts:

  Seamanship: 1795, 1807, 1811 (Blunt), 1841. Based on J. Bourdé de Villehuet's Le Manoeuvrier first published 1765, Gower's Seamanship, 1793 and Taylor's Instructions for Young Mariners, 1792.

  Art of Rigging: 1796, 1806, 1816, 1818, 1828, 1848 (Biddlecombe).

  Art of Sailmaking: 1796, 1807, 1809, 1821, 1843.

  Art of Making Masts: 1797, 1798, 1801, 1816, 1841.

  A System of Naval Tactics: 1797, 1850 (Biddlecombe). Translations of works by Bourdé de Villehuet, Sébastian François Bigot de Morogues and Jacques Raymond de Grenier.

  Combined volumes appeared: 1800, 1821 and 1822.

Updated 2001-01-12 by Lars Bruzelius

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