There were not many words among the more than 1500 that I did not know. Of the definitions there were few that I could have defined so straightforwardly so reading steadily from A to Z was both pleasurable, because I realised I knew quite a few words, and interesting because of the way that the words had been defined. I think that this is a very useful and pleasing little book for all who wish to communicate accurately on nautical issues. The list of words was compiled by the founder-editor of Practical Boat Owner so it is not surprising that it is practical, useful and readable.