1826 – Naval Sketch-Book, Glascock | Sailor & Sea Stories | Ghost Superstitions

Naval Sketch-Book, or, The Service Afloat and Ashore: With Characteristic Reminiscences, Fragments and Opinions by W.N. Glascock is an early 19^th-century survey of life in the British Navy. This two volume set is Glascock’s description of his own experiences at sea noting customs and daily life aboard a British Royal Navy ship. The book offers a glimpse into the sail superstitions (such as the existence of ghosts and sea goblins!) and the disciplinary practices such as corporal punishment, as well as the unique slang that is used by sailors.

This edition features numerous full-page engravings.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Naval Sketch-Book, or, The Service Afloat and Ashore: With Characteristic Reminiscences, Fragments and Opinions
• Author(s): W.N. Glascock
• Publisher: London, H. Colburn
• Edition: 1826. New Edition
• Binding: Hardcover
• Format: (8vo), two volumes
• Size:  8 in x 5 in (20.3 cm x 12.7 cm)
• Collation: Vol. I: 284 pp; Vol. II: 259 pp
• Illustrations: full-page engravings
• Contents Include:
  • Superstition of Seamen — Belief in Ghosts and Goblins
  • Professional Slang and Terminology
  • Observations on Corporal Punishment
  • Sketches of Service Life Afloat and Ashore

Condition:

Good. Both volumes retain full text and are housed in later hardcover bindings with visible wear to the edges and corners. Boards show staining and surface abrasions, with page edges left uncut as issued. Internally complete and text block remains sound throughout. Previous owners name written on front covers.

Why Collect This?

• firsthand naval narrative by a Royal Navy officer
• naval slang and disciplinary insight not typically preserved in official records
• records of sailor’s superstitions

Item Number: # 29964