The Great Sailing Ships

Tall ships, those sprawling sailing vessels that utilize the wind as their only means of propulsion, have long held sway over ideals of romance, glory, and tragedy in the annals of sea-faring history. While these ships are inextricably linked with legend, lore, and epic histories, most of their remaining saga has been bound up in the museums of the world -- except for the three- and four-masted training ships that are based on historical designs and afford the opportunity to get a glimpse of the hardships and satisfactions inherent in a life at sea. Sailing Ships explores these narratives and traces the development of sailing ships throughout history, from the earliest simple models to the luxurious cruise ships of today, while celebrating man's boundless fascination with the oceans and the beauty of the inventive spirit embodied by these great sailing ships. -- Pays tribute to the stories and legends of the great sailing ships of the past, the public fascination with sailing, and the development and evolution of sailing throughout history -- Explores the development of sailing ships throughout history, from simple dhows and magnificent training ships, to early twentieth century clippers and modern cruise ships. -- More than five hundred full-color pictures of classic and historical sailing boats, modern tall ships, and magnificent luxury liners, as well as reconstructions of famous ships of the past.