Griffin Reads – Breverton’s Nautical Curiosities

Title: Breverton’s Nautical Curiosities

Author: Terry Breverton

Genre: Non-fiction, Maritime History

Summary: In Breverton’s Nautical Curiosities, Terry Breverton takes readers on a fascinating journey through maritime history, exploring the obscure, intriguing, and sometimes bizarre aspects of the nautical world. From legendary sea monsters and forgotten shipwrecks to the peculiar habits of sailors and the curious language of the sea, this book is a treasure trove of maritime curiosities. Breverton weaves together historical facts, anecdotes, and trivia to paint a vivid picture of the maritime realm, offering readers a delightful and unconventional maritime encyclopedia.

Content Guide:

• No explicit content
• Suitable for all audiences
• Historical references and anecdotes
• Educational and entertaining exploration of maritime history

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite nonfiction history books, period. As a lifetime lover of the sea, I treasure this volume of trivia regarding its history, biology, and legends. Terry Breverton’s skillful storytelling and meticulous research shine through as he presents a diverse array of nautical curiosities, making this book a delightful read for history enthusiasts and maritime lovers alike.

The content is not only informative but also presented in a manner that engages readers. Breverton seamlessly combines historical facts with entertaining anecdotes, creating a book that is both educational and enjoyable. The book’s strength lies in its ability to uncover the quirky and often overlooked aspects of maritime history. Breverton’s exploration of sea shanties, superstitions of sailors, and the peculiarities of naval customs adds a human touch to the historical narrative, making it relatable and thoroughly enjoyable.

There is a definite bias towards certain subjects, and while I won’t complain about the multiple chapters on pirates, I would have preferred less focus on the British and US navies and a little more time spent on the histories, mythologies, and natural beauties of other sea-going nations. Still, that’s a minor criticism, and it doesn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of the collection.

This isn’t the kind of book that you read from cover to cover. This is a coffee-table book, perfect for flipping through and sharing trivia with family and friends. If you’re addicted to the ocean and seafaring tales like me, you’ll love this book.