THE HISTORY OF THE SEA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 83, 12 February 1879, Page 2

THE HISTORY OF THE SEA.

"The History of the Sea/'a graphic description of, maritime .adventures, achievements, explorations, discoveries, and inventions, covering the many ■ centuries of development in science and civilisation from the ark to the present'time," is a profusely illustrated book of v 782 pages, by Dr F.B.Goodrich. The work is a' perfect storehouse of informationon the subject with which it deals, and will doubt*

less prove a mo3t popular and desirable' ; gift book. In tho first section of the ■ ■ work—" from the earliest times to ,the : ■; commencement of tlio Christian era,"—we have brought before us the origin of nayi- ■: gation; the flood and the building of the. V ark; the ships, commerce, and navigation ■ ''■. of tho Phoenecians; Egyptians as a mari- '.'• ■' time people; the Jews—their geography '■, and ideas upon the shape of the earth. '" Thooarly maritime history of tho Greeks ~ is next treated of—the" expeditions of tho ' : Argonauts; the vessels used in the Trojan war, shipbuilding in the time of Homer, and the poetic geography of the ;";' Greoks. The next.section dates r from'the .'■ commencement of tin Christian era to tho , application of the magnetic needle "to European navigation. This section treat 3 first of all, of the rise of Venice and '>_ Genoa, for, to quote tho words of the-xj author, "we have birth' of Christ as a point of dcpiKure in the history of navigation merely because of the prominence of that event in tho history of the world, not on account of anWonnection it has with tho chronicle <ff the ','.' sea. So fa'r from that, the first five centuries oi the Christian era are an absolute ' - chart in all matters which pertain to our subject." Next is described the marvellous effect of the Crusaders upon commerce, causing the introduction of Eastern products to tho Western world. The next section continues' the "-history" of the first voyage round the world undor Magellan, a.b. 1519. In this division we have an account of a : series of voyages, tedious and fruitless at first, but successful in the end, undertaken by tho Portuguese in their age of maritime heroism, to ' discover a passage by sea to the Indies, and a description of tho voyages and life work of Christopher Columbus, The fourth section,; which brings us'down'to-the discovery of Cape Horn, is of special interest, dealing, as it does, with what may well be called " tho maritime period of English History," the times of Queen EKzabeth... The next section brings us as far as tho year 1807, when steam'was first used for the purposes of navigation. This section ■ opens with an account of the ship Mayflower, in which the Pilgrim Fathers proceeded from Southampton Water to ■ Plymouth Rock, a vessel which, says tho author, "may be safely;said to. have achieved a fame beyond that of any other that ever ploughed the ocean." The discovery of Australia' and New Zealand by Tasman, the voyages of Captain Cook, . the celebrated voyage of the Bounty, and the launch of the first boat propelled by. A .,. steam are also treated of.'. The sixth and .' last section brings us down to the year 1858, in which the Atlantic cable was laid. The section open with an account of the Arctic explorations under Krusenstern, Kotzebue,- Boss, and Hall. .We have then an elaborate account of the laying of tho Atlantic cable, the book being brought ' to a close with an account of diving, dredging, deep-sea' sounding, and the latest sub-marine operations. In this brief and imperfect sketch of Dr Goodrich's book .wo have only been able to notice a few of which he makes reference; but we should imagine that a work which treats so ably of the clement which is the glory and strength of Englishmen, will receive at his hands of the public its due measure of support. Taranaki Herald.

ITIHE HISTORY OF ,TSB SEA. ME- F. CLARK is in this District soliciting orders for " The History of the Sea," which \vill he ready for deliveryend of March—to he cash on deliveflJET All should avail themselves of tho first and only opportunity of obtaining a copy,'as itis only sold to Subscribers. Tho following Testimonials have been given:— ■ . ■ Bishop's Court, Auckland, March 15th, 1878. Bishop Cowie begs to thank Mr Lyon for a copy of 'The History of the Sea,' published by Messrs J. W. Lyon & Co. The Bishop has not been able to do more than glanco through the volume, which seems to be full of information. The binding, type, and" u ' paper of the book are.certainly good.

1 The History of the Sea,' by Goodrich and Howlaud is, both in its plan and execution, very superior to those by Kingston aud J3allantine. It is romantic in its narratives, and yet truthful in its details. I know of no book of the character that I would more readily put into tho hands of young people. R. Maunbkll, Archdeacon of Auckland.

.'' The History of the Sea, 1 by Dr Goodrich, is the most complete and comprehensive work on the subject which has ever como under my notice, beiug a -vast treasure of deeply interesting knowledge, It is beautifully bound, and elaborately illustrated. As a presentation volume, this artistic book is most suitable and valuable, William Kirk, Ex-President of the Wcsleyan Conference, New Zealand.

I havo examined the work called ' Tho History of the Sea,' published by J, W. Lyon & Co., and have found it all that the title page declares it to be: •'A graphic description of maritime adventure, achievements, explorations, discoveries, anii inventions." It is a very interesting work, contaming a great amount of historical and scientific information, given in such a way as to render the volume highly attractive and useful, especially to the young. The book is got up in a handsome and durable style, and will form a valuable addition to tho Family Library. . . E. P. Macnicol, Minister St. James' Presbyterian Church, Auckland,: The Rev. S. Ciiastaonon (Catholic Priest) authorises Mr Pioid to state that he thinks well of tho book entitled ' History of the Sea,' and that be believes it to be a very instructive publication.

I have had an opportunity of giving a hasty glance through Dr Goodrich's ' History of tlie Sea.' published Lyon & Co. It appears to be a .Hounding information, interesting arid instructive,;■-• copiously illustrated with excellent engfavings. Its good index and arrangement make it a complete book of reference. It would be, I should imagine, an acceptable addition to any lady's library, and an orna- •' ment too, for the |Publishers seom to havo spared no pains to give it an artistic finish', J. E. Teaku;, . Curate of Masterton, The Parsonage, . 11th February, 1879. ' . ■■'

■ ■■" The History of the Sea", published - by J. W. Lyon's & Co., contains a' lal'ge amount of information both" instructive and interesting and;may_ be read with some , profit. The type and illustrations of the'' volume left with me by the Agent,, are,, good and if sold at a reasonable price, the' book should meet lyitha good sale. '"