The launches that give our vessels life
A History of Ship Launches and their Ceremonies, by George Hodgkinson
'The form varies from one country to another, according to custom and religion, but the sentiment that lies behind all launching rituals is fear', writes author George Hodgkinson, in a readable book that shows ship launches are about much more than just smashing a bottle of wine.
Taking us on a journey from ancient Greece to the present day – and bringing in cultures like Imperial Japan and the Ottoman Empire as well as European nations – we discover how the rituals around the launch of a vessel have been used to transform the dead matter in a shipyard from an 'it' into a 'she', imbuing each new vessel with luck and life to reassure those who will sail in her.
Hodgkinson illustrates his points with reference to a whole range of unusual and historic ship launches, and goes into the evolution of all kinds of different customs associated with the phenomenon.
A History of Ship Launches and their Ceremonies
By George Hodgkinson
Pen and Sword, £25
ISBN: 978 13990 49450
Buy this book in the Nautilus Bookshop
While you're there, why not browse the rest of the titles in our unique maritime bookshop, which sells all the books reviewed on these pages.
Buy nowMore Books
Instructions for an adventure
The Pacific Crossing Guide, 4th Edition by Francis HawkingsThe Pacific Crossing Guide was created to be the complete reference book for anyone thinking about sailing the Pacific, whether going east-west or west-east.
Fun family fable
Sea, Sand and Katrina by Sam GrantFormer seafarer Sam Grant – whose seafaring adventure books set in the 1960s have been reviewed in the Telegraph before – returns with a different kind of nautical novel.
Top tips for crafty constructors
Sailing Ships from Plastic Kits, by Kerry JangModel ship supremo Kerry Jang is back in time for Christmas 2024 with another comprehensive work on building miniature maritime masterpieces.
Warm words for a cool invention
Blowing Hot and Cold, by Ian JohnstonRemembering his own father's connection with the company, author Ian Johnston set out to write a history of Thermotank, a near-forgotten pioneer in marine air conditioning. It was no small challenge, but Johnston succeeds in bringing a lost British icon back to life.