ANCHORS: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY

The anchor is probably the single most important piece of equipment any vessel takes to sea - and even on land a potent symbol of hope and constancy. "Anchors" explains how this apparently simple piece of equipment developed from the pierced stones of ancient times to the modern high-tech devices designed to hold oil platforms in position. By the time of the Romans the anchor had already developed a form which we all now recognise, but the following centuries produced an almost infinite variety of pattern, detail and size. All the highlights of this evolution are surveyed. Besides anchors themselves, this book deals with related matters like anchor handling, their manufacture, the introduction of chain cables and methods of testing and marking anchors. Anchors are amongst the most conspicuous features of any ship and characterise specific periods and maritime cultures; and therefore no nautical archaeologist, naval historian, model maker, yachtsman or boatswain can afford to be without this book.