Don't Shoot the Albatross!: Nautical Myths and Superstitions

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Sailors are a notoriously superstitious lot - even if some won't admit it. Years of taking to the water, at the mercy of uncontrollable (and sometimes deadly) forces, have led even the wisest to seek ways of influencing the gods or fate. From bad omens and odd rituals to lucky tokens and forbidden words, the superstitions of the sea are legion.

Many of these superstitions have refused to go away and quite a few have entered the general public consciousness. Some are amusing in their own right, others have fascinating origins, whilst for many there are bizarre anecdotal incidents which would appear to lend credence to these arcane beliefs.

Illustrated with quirky cartoons, this book explores nautical superstitions from all over the world in an informative yet entertaining way.

Includes superstitions about: Boatbuilding, naming and launching; Lucky and unlucky dates to sail; People, things and animals not to let on board; Signs and portents at sea; Words not to say (and their alternatives); Predicting the weather; Fishing; and much, much more!

Reviews

'Illustrated with comical cartoons, this quirky collection of nautical myths and superstitions and explores the folklore of the sea and will inform and entertain seafarer and landlubber alike.' * All at Sea (January 2011) *
'Fascinating...it's hard to read the book without feeling that if one chose to pay heed to all the superstitions, you wouldn't go to sea at all!' * The Nautilus Telegraph *
'This slim 93-page volume offers a collection that covers many of the strange superstitions that have developed over the years...' * The Nautilus Telegraph (April 2011) *
Book of the month (July 2011): 'A recommended and entertaining read.' * Sea Cadets *

Author Bio

Jonathan Eyers last went to sea on a Friday in a boat with thirteen letters to its name and women on the passenger list, but he somehow managed to survive. He is the author of How to Snog a Hagfish!: Disgusting Things in the Sea and Final Voyage: The World's Worst Maritime Disasters, both published by Adlard Coles Nautical, and the children's novel The Thieves of Pudding Lane (Bloomsbury).