Facsimile editions of books on Naval Architecture, Rigging and Seamanship printed 1570 – 1699

Oliveira, Fernando: Liuro da fabrica das naos.
Reprint: 1993 [?]. 4to, 211, (6), 164, (28) pp, ill.
Reprint of a manuscript from 1570.
References: Private Collection.
Garcia de Palacio, Diego: Instrucion Nauthica; Para el Buen U[s]o, y regimiento de las Naos, su traca, y y gouierno conforme à la altura de Mexico.
Pedro Ocharte, Mexico, 1587. -4to, 15×10 cm, (4), 156 leaves.
Facsimile: Coleccion de Incunables Americanos Siglo XVI, V. 8. Eds. Cultura Hispanica, Madrid, 1944. (36), pp, (4), 156 leaves. With a 36 pp introduction by J.F. Guillen.
Reprint: Terrenate Assoc., Bisbee, AZ, 1986. 4to, viii, 316 pp, ill. A translation into English by J. Bankston and with the title Nautical instruction, 1587; for the good use and management of ships, their design, and conduct in accordance with the latitude of Mexico.
It is a small quarto of 160 leaves with woodcut diagrams, an artillery sphere, table of declination and it is divided into four books, of which Book IV, the last 72 leaves, deals with naval architecture and rigging and ends with a Vocabulario de los nombres que usa la gente de la mer. The text is in the form of a dialogue. Part of Book IV, is reprinted in Vol. VI of Duro's Disquisiciones Nauticas, 1881. Part of this is also reprinted in Artiñano's Arquitectura Naval Española, 1920 together with some of the plans of hulls and sails. The author of this important work was a native of Santander and studied first for the navy and later for the Law. His writings whilst Judge of Guatemala fo rmed the foundation for the works of Antonio de Herrera. In 1581 he graduated as Doctor of the University of Mexico, and later helped to organize an expedition against Drake. He was the author of several works on navigation, of which this is the most important.
Cano, Tome: Arte para fabricar, fortificar, y apareiar naos de guerra, y merchante; Con las Reglas de Archearlas: reduzido a toda Cu&etilde;ta y medida: y en grande utilidad de la Navegacion.
Luis Estupinan, Seville, 1611. 8vo, 17×12 cm, 68 leaves.
Facsimile: Biblioteca islena 2, Instituto de Estudios Canarios, La Laguna, 1964. 22 cm, 115 pp. Edicion y prologo por Enrique Marco Dorta.
RCA gives: (xiv), 59 pp.
The greater part of this book is reprinted in volume VI of Duro's Disquisiciones Nauticas of 1881, and in part in Artiñano's Arquitectura Naval Española, 1920. It is written in the form of dialogues between three friends. At the end there is a explanation of various parts of a ship.
Another edition 1688.
References: National Maritime Museum*; RCA Bibl; Maggs I:62.
Fernandez, Manuel: Libro de Tracas de Carpintaria.
Facsimile: Academia de Marinha, Lisabon, 1989[?]. Folio, ?? pp, ?? pl.
Facsimile reprint of a manuscript from 1616.
References: Private Collection.
Smith, John: A Sea Grammar, with the Plaine Exposition of Smiths Accidence for young Sea-men, enlarged. Diuided into fifteene Chapters: what they are you may partly conceiue by the Contents. Written by Captaine Iohn Smith, sometimes Gouernour of Virginia, and Admirall of Nevv-England.
Iohn Haviland, London, 1627. 8vo, (12), 76 pp.
Pagination irregular 55=54, 54=55, 70 unnumbered, 83-86=73-76.
Facsimile: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, Amsterdam, 1968.
Reprint: Michael Joseph, London, 1970. 8vo, xxxii, 113 pp, 10 plates. Edited by Kermit Goell.
A second and expanded edition of An Accidence, or path-way to experience, first published in 1626.
References: Private Collection*; Pollard and Redgrave 22794.
Furttenbach, Joseph: Architectura navalis. Das ist: Von dem Schiff-Gebäw/ Auff dem Meer und Seekusten zugebrauchen. Und Nemblich/ In was Form und gestallt/ Fürs Erste/ Ein Galea, Galeazza, Galeotta, Bergantino, Filucca, Fregata, Liudo, Barchetta, Piatta: Zum Andern/ Ein Nave, Polaca, Tartana, Barcone, Caramuzzala, und ein gemeine Barca, (welche samplich zu Krieg: und Friedens Zetten an jetzo in den Vornembsten Meer Porten zu finden:) nach verständlicher/ gewisser Regul/ und unfehlbarer beständiger Ordnung sollen erbawen werden. Allen/ Auff dem Meerpracticirten Liebhabern/ Wie auch den Bawmeistern/ und Mahlern zu Wolgefallen/ und sonderbahren Nutzbarkeiten; Auss selbst gesehenen/ und mit allem Fleiss zusammen getragen, und auffgezeichneten Wercken: Neben kurtz-widerholter Fürbildung/ der in Anno 1571 zwischen den Christen und Türcken fürgegangen/ hochernstlichen/ Ansehnlichen Meerschlacht; Sampt vielen Abrissen; und noch darüber. 20. dem Natural gar ähnlich- und recht Conterfehtischen Kupfferstücken/ complirt, aussgerüstet/ und in gegenwertigem Corpore gantz Eygentlich durch Josephum Furttenbach.
Jonam Saurn, Ulm, 1629 (1st). 4to, 23,5×13 cm, (18), 134 pp, ill., 21 plates.
Reprint: Bellamy, Paris, 1939. 33×26 cm, 99 pp, 20 plates, 300 copies. Translated into French by Ponjade and given the title: Traité d'architecture naval.
Facsimile: Schiffbautechnischen Gesellschaft, Hamburg, 1959. 8vo.
Facsimile: Schiffbautechnischen Gesellschaft, Hamburg, 1968. 8vo.
Facsimile: Georg Olms Verlag, Hildesheim, 1975. 8vo.
Facsimile: United Academic Press, Portland, Oregon, 1981. 4to.
Facsimile: Alan Wofsy Fine Arts, 1981.
A reprint of the 1939 French edition was issued in 1988.
Also printed in Mannhaffter Kunst-Spiegel sec. 15, Augsburg, 1663, pp 269-283.
In three parts which gives a detailed account of the construction of galleys and sailing ships according to the Italian manner of shipbuilding. The third part consists of a description of the battle of Lepanto. The illustrations of ships are obviously done after models.
References: Private Collection*; Krigsarkivet, Stockholm; The Mariners' Museum; Scott.
Hayward, Edward: The Sizes and Lengths of Riggings for all the States Ships and Frigats. As also Proportions of Boatswains and Carpenters Stores, of all Kinds, for Eight Months Sea-Service upon the Coast of England: Together with sundry other useful Observations, as may appear by the Index following.
Printed by Peter Cole, London, 1655. 8vo, 26×16,5 cm, (12), 60 pp, 1 tab.
Facsimile: Francis Edwards, London, 1967.
Less than 20 copies were circulated. Second edition 1660 and third 1666.
Cf. the other pamphlets in the Hayward – Kendal controversy printed 1656, 1660 and 1666.
References: Private Collection*; National Maritime Museum; Royal Society, London; RCA Bibl.
Hayward, Edward: The Answer of Edward Hayward, Clerk of the Survey at Chatham, (meerly for his own Vindication) to a most Abusive and Scandalous Pamphlet, lately published and dispersed by George Kendall, M.A. (as he stiles himself) and Clerk of the Survey at Deptford, and Woolwich.
Printed by Peter Cole, London, 1656. 8vo, 15×9 cm, (2), 14 pp.
Facsimile: Francis Edwards, London, 1967.
Cf. the other pamphlets in the Hayward – Kendal controversy printed 1655, 1660 and 1666.
References: Private Collection*; BM; RCA Bibl.
Kendal, George: The Clerk of the Surveigh Surveighed, and His Rigging Cast. Or, a brief view taken of the Book intituled, The Sizes and Lengths of Rigging for all the States Ships and Frigats, lately put forth by Mr Hayward Clerk of the Surveigh at Chatham; the irregularities whereof are here in part discovered.
Printed for the Author, London, 1656. 8vo, (6), 12, (3) pp.
Facsimile: Francis Edwards, London, 1967.
Cf. the other pamphlets in the Hayward – Kendal controversy printed 1655, 1660 and 1666.
References: Private Collection*; BM.
Kendal, George: Reply to a Paper Called, Mr. Haywards Answer to G. Kendals scandalous Pamphlet. Wherein, the invalidity of his seeming Answers are discovered; and more fully confirmed that the State suffers much dammage by Mr. Haywards Book of Rigging, &c.
Printed for the Author, London, 1656. 8vo, (2), 10 pp.
Facsimile: Francis Edwards, London, 1967.
Cf. the other pamphlets in the Hayward – Kendal controversy printed 1655, 1660 and 1666.
References: Scott Collection; Private Collection*.
Hayward, Edward: The Sizes and Lengths of Riggings for all His Majesties Ships and Frigats. As also Proportions of Boatswains and Carpenters Stores, of all Kinds, for Eight Months Sea-Service upon the Coast of England: Together with sundry other useful Observations, as may appear by the Index following. Performed by Edward Hayward, who served as Clerk of the Survey at Chatham full 22 yeers.
Printed by Peter Cole, London, 1660 (2nd). 8vo, (10), 1 leaf, 60 pp, 1 fold. tab.
Facsimile: Francis Edwards, London, 1967.
A reissue of the first edition with new preliminary pages. First edition 1655, third 1666. Cf. the other pamphlets in the Hayward – Kendal controversy printed 1655, 1656 and 1666.
References: Private Collection*; BM; Brown 408; RCA Bibl.
(Bond, Henry): A Plain and Easie Rule to Rigge any Ship by the Length of his Masts, and Yards. Without any further Trouble.
W. Godbid for William Fisher, London, 1664. 8vo, 15,5×10,5 cm, 8 pp.
Reprinted in Facsimile in Lees' The Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War 1625-1860.
References: Private Collection*; Adams.
Fournier, Le P. Georges: Hydrographie contenant la theorie et la pratique de toutes les parties de la navigation. Composé par Georges Fournier de la Compagnie de Jesus. Seconde édition. Reveue, corrigée & augmentée par l'Autheur avant son deceds. Plus, la Navigation du Roy d'Escosse Jacoues cinquiesme du Nom, autour de son Royaume, & Isle Hebrides & Orchades, sous la conduite d'Alexandre Lyndsay excellent Pilot Escossois.
Jean Dupuis, Paris, 1667 (2nd). Folio, (22), 706, (16), 6 pp, ill., 1 large fold. plate.
Facsimile: Editions des 4 Seigneurs, Grenoble, 1973. 581 copies. With a 80 pp introduction.
First edition 1643.
References: Private Collection*; The Mariners' Museum; Polak 3575.
Miller, Thomas: The Compleat Modellist: Shewing the true and exact way of Raising the Model of any Ship or Vessel, small or great, either in proportion, or out of proportion. Also, the manner how to find the Length of every Rope exactly: And Tables which give the true bigness of every Rope in each Vessel. Together with the Weights of their Anchors and Cables. Performed by Thomas Miller, of Great Yarmouth, Seaman; and Master in the Art of Raising the Model.
Printed for Richard Mount, London, 1667 (3rd). 4to, (4), 20 pp, 4 pl on 2-3 fold. sheets.
Printed by W.G. for G. Hurlock, London, 1667 (3rd). 8vo, 16×10,5 cm, (4), 20 pp, 2 fold. plates, tables.
Facsimile: The American Neptune, Salem, 1957. 8vo, (8), 20 pp, 2 fold. plates, 100 copies.
First edition 1660.
References: Private Collection*; NUC; Adams; Wing 2063A (?).
Witsen, Nicolaes: Aeloude en hedendaegsche scheeps-bouw en bestier: Waer in wijtloopigh wert verhandelt, de wijze van Scheeps-timmeren, by Grieken en Romeynen: Scheeps-oeffeningen, Strijden, Tucht, Straffe, Wetten en gewoonten. Beneffens evenmatige grootheden van Schepen onses tijts, ontleet in alle hare deelen: Verschil van bouwen tusschen uitheemschen en onzen landaert: Indisch Vaertuygh: Galey-bouw: hedendaegsche Scheeps-plichten: Verrijckt met een reex verklaerde Zee-mans spreeck-woorden en benamingen. Doorgaens verciert met vele Kopere platen.
Casparus Commelijn; Broer en Jan Appelaer, Amsterdam, 1671. 4to, (16), 516, 40, (4) pp, 116 plates.
Facsimile: Canaletto, Alphen aan den Rijn, 1979.
A chaotic collection of knowledge on the art of shipbuilding of the day. Contains among much other valuable information detailed specifications for building a 134 foot pinnace. A great part of this book is devoted to the galleys and ships of the classical era and to boats from exotic countries. With an explanation of nautical terms and expressions on pp 481-516.
There exists at least four variants of this edition. In the fourth state of this edition the pages 473-478 describing the Dutch attack on the English fleet at Chatham and Medway in 1667 were replaced by a new text leaving out the pages 475-476. A unique and previously unrecorded variant printed by Christoffel Cunradus and with a different title page was seen at the Antiquariaat Nico Israel, Amsterdam, in 1992. A second edition was published in 1690 with the title Architectura Navalis. The 1678 edition mentioned by John Landwehr in his Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708) as Book Illustrator is probably a ghost edition mistaken for the first edition of the anonymous Hollandsche Scheepsbouw from that year.
The portrait of Witsen present in the Facsimile edition seems to be a later addition to the copy this edition was made from.
References: Private Collection*; Antiquariaat N. Israel*; The Mariners' Museum; R.C. Anderson: A Variation in Witsen, MM 12, 1924, p 220; W. Nijhoff: De anglofobie van N. Witsen in Het Boek, 1925.
Witsen, Nicolaes: Architectura Navalis et Regimen Nauticum. Ofte Aaloude en Hedenaagsche Scheeps-Bouw en Bestier, Waar in wydtloopigh wert verhandelt de wyze van Scheeps-timmeren, zoo als de zelve eertydts by de Grieken, en Romeinen, in gebruik was: Scheeps-oeffeningen, Stryden, Tucht, Wetten en Gewoonten. Beneffens evenmatige grootheden van de Scheepen onzes tydts, ontleedt in alle hare delen: Verschil van bouwen tusschen verscheide landaart: Indisch en Russisch Vaart-tuigh: Galey-bouw, en hedendaaghsche Scheeps-plichten: Verrykt met een reeks verklaarde Zeemans Spreek-woorden en Benaamingen. Doorgaans verciert met kopere Plaaten.
Pieter en Joan Blaeu, Amsterdam, 1690 (2nd). 4to, 26,5×17 cm, fp, (18), 628 pp, ill., 90 plates.
Facsimile: Uitgeverij Graphic, Amsterdam, 1970.
There is a 51 pp dictionary of sea terms at the end.
Second edition of Aeloude en Hedenaegsche Scheeps-bouw en Bestier published in 1671.
This work is only known to exist in only four copies, the first not discovered until 1914. The four copies are located respectively in the Seefahrtschule in Bremen, two copies in the Rijksmuseum "Nederlands Scheepvaart Museum", Amsterdam, one of the two copies reprints a letter dated 1693 and in the bijvoegsel . . . are paragraphs referring to the date 1691. The fourth copy is located the University Library in Amsterdam. The Facsimile edition is made from this copy.
The entire edition was probably withdrawn and destroyed shortly after the publication date due to the anti-English attitude expressed by the author.
References: Private Collection*; NHSM*.
Rålamb, Åke Classon: Skeps Byggerij eller Adelig Öfnings Tionde Tom.
Niclas Wankijfs, Stockholm, 1691. 8vo, 16×11 cm, (8), 54 pp, 14 fold. plates Sjöhistoriska Museet faksimileditioner 1, Stockholm, 1943 (facs.).
First book on shipbuilding in Swedish. Part X of a projected Scientific Encyclopaedia.
The author studied shipbuilding for the English master shipwright Francis Sheldon who was active in Sweden and learnt the Dutch manner of building ships in Amsterdam. The English method is preferred because where the Dutch used eye measures, the English had rules.
References: Private Collection*; Sjöfartsmuseet, Gothenburg*; Krigsarkivet, Stockholm.
Dassie, F.: L'Architecture navale, contenant la maniere de construire les Navires, Galeres, Chaloupes et autres especes de Vaisseaux; l'Explication des Termes de la Marine, & les Définitions & proportions de toutes sortes de Bâtimens de Mer. Avec une Description des Marées, des Dangers, Ecueils & Courans à éviter dans les Routes & Voyages; & une Table des Longitude & Latitudes des principaux Ports des quatre parties du Monde. Le tout enrichi de Figures, & accompagné du Routier des Indies Orientales et Occidentales.
Laurent D'Houry, Paris, 1695 (2nd). 4to, 18,5×13 cm, (6), 285, (3) pp, 8 plates, 1 fold. tab. & (2), 209, (3) pp.
Reprint: Editrice Pharos, San Remo, 1994.
Identical to the first edition with exception for a different introduction and no dedication. Errors in the pagination at p 200 where pp 113-114 follows and p 233 misnumbered 433. Second edition of L'Architecture navale, 1677.
References: Private Collection*; Maritiem Museum 'Prins Hendrik'; NMM; Polak 2249; RCA Bibl.
Yk, Cornelis van: De Nederlandsche Scheeps-bouw-konst open Gestelt; Vertoonende naar wat Regel, of Evenredenheyd, in Nederland meest alle Scheepen werden gebouw; mitgaders Masten, Zeylen, Ankers en Touwen, enz. daar aan gepast.
Ian ten Hoorn, Amsterdam, 1697. 4vo, 24×12,5 cm, frontisp., (14), 354, (8) pp, 22 plates (12 fold.).
Facsimile: Langerveld, Rotterdam, (1979).
At least two variants exist. Error in pagination: 354 for 364.
Van Yk describes the Southern Dutch style of building ships.
References: Private Collection*; Marinmuseum, Karlskrona; RCA Bibl; MM vol. 7 (1921), pp 283-284.
Savery, Thomas: Navigation Improv'd: Or, the Art of Rowing Ships Of all Rates, in Calms, with a more easy, awift, and steady Motion, than Oars can. Also, A Description of the Engine that performs it; And the Author's Answer to all Mr. Dummer's Objections that have been made against it.
James Moxon, London, 1698. 12mo, 16×9,5 cm, (8), 22 pp, ill., 1 fold. plate.
Reprint: R.B. Prosser, London, 1880. 23 cm, 70 copies.
Proposing ships equipped with paddle wheels propelled by a capstan.
References: Peabody Essex Museum*; The Mariners' Museum; National Maritime Museum; NYPL.

Updated 1998-02-131 by Lars Bruzelius

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