The Ashley Book of Knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. But in this attractive, well-organized archive of more than 3,900 different knots--presented through 7,000 illustrations--the art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and a reservoir of handy knowledge.

   During the closing years of the sixteenth century, the Dutch East India Company fast became a political and economic force in Asia, en route to becoming the leading private company in the world by 1660. This definitive volume explores perhaps the most important tool in the company’s trade: its ships. Robert Parthesius here reconstructs the complete shipping activities of the Company through a unique database that charts the movements of even previously ignored smaller vessels. Demonstrating that the wide range of types and sizes of vessels were indeed what gave the Company the ability to sail—and to continue its profitable trade—year after year, Dutch Ships in Tropical Waters combines the best of maritime history and archaeological research in order to change our understanding of the logistical dynamics behind one of the most important and successful businesses of this period.

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -   

   Whether you want to learn some loops or practise plaits, this guide reveals everything you need to know about knot tying. With clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, you can be sure that you will select the correct type of rope. From fishing to camping, sailing to mountaineering, this handy guide will show you which knot to use.

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

   There is no more fundamental resource than water. The basis of all life, water is fast becoming a key issue in today’s world, as well as a source of conflict. This fascinating book, which sets out many of the ingenious methods by which ancient societies gathered, transported and stored water, is a timely publication as overextraction and profligacy threaten the existence of aquifers and watercourses that have supplied our needs for millennia. 

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

   When you step into a full bathtub, you learn a lot about displacement of water. As your body sinks into the tub, the water moves out of the way. But water is also pushing up on you as you enter into it. "Why Do Ships Float?" reveals the science behind buoyancy and why objects float, even if they are large cruise or military vessels. Colorful photographs and illustrations will enthrall young readers on this voyage through science.

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

- - - - - - download - - - - - -

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

   Lost Treasure Ships of the Twentieth Century tells the gripping story of fortunes both lost and found. The book explores 17 individual ships -- selected for their historic importance, the scientific innovation behind their discovery, the personal tragedies that befell the people involved, and the glamour of the extraordinary wealth that they may have once contained. Detailed maps show the location of more than 170 ships, including the Titanic and the Lusitania.

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

   Features 300 mercantile and military ships from ancient times to the present day. Each ship is illustrated with a color artwork and brief service history. Full specifications for each ship include displacement, dimensions, armament, speed and complement.

 - - - - - - download - - - - - -

   Discover the story of boats and ships- from dugout canoes to yachts and supertankers. This superb collection of specially commissioned photographs tells the fascinating story of how and why boats, rafts, and ships have changed over the years. See how a plank boat is constructed, and look at sails from around the world, from the elegant junks and dhows of Asia to the many-masted clippers that sailed the seven seas during the 19th century.