The book is divided into three sections: an introduction to the fundamentals of ship construction and design, a brief history of shipbuilding technology, and the methodology for the recording and reconstruction of shipwrecks. Part one introduces the discipline of ship and boat reconstruction and challenges the reader to master the terminology of shipbuilding and seafaring as a way into the field. Steffy views the ship as a functional tool, requiring certain characteristics of stability and strength to perform well within a specific environment. He looks at the elements of hull design, with examples of different forms from a variety of locations and time periods. The section includes a useful discussion of lines drawings as a means to convey three- dimensional forms on a flat media.

Part two takes the reader through a historical treatment of shipbuilding technology from the Bronze Age to the early 19th century. Steffy breaks his discussion into three periods: the ancient world, the medieval period, and the epoch of global voyages following the development of new routes to the Far East and the discovery of the Americas. Quarterly readers will recognize projects carried out by INA, such as the Late Bronze Age shipwreck at Uluburun, the Kyrenia ship, vessels from Yassiada and Serçe Limani, the Charon, and the Brown's Ferry vessel. Examples of work by Steffy's former students abound, including investigations by current INA researchers Kevin Crisman, Cheryl Haldane, Frederick Hocker, and Sheila Matthews. It is important to point out that their work is not included simply because they were former students, but because they were forced to become experts in fields where none existed previously. Steffy rounds out this discussion with contributions from leading scholars about work in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Where archaeological evidence is lacking, Steffy has consulted historical documentation of shipbuilding, such as Venetian and English manuscripts on shipbuilding and naval architecture.

Part three is the centerpiece of the book. It presents a thorough methodology of shipwreck recording and reconstruction, a field in which Steffy has provided constant leadership over the last quarter century, an effort which garnered him a prestigious MacArthur Foundation fellowship. Steffy makes the analogy between a shipwreck and a computer file, in that both can provide veritable cornucopias of information, but require proper access through disciplined and exact procedures. He is careful to warn that every project is unique, requiring its own recording, research, and dissemination procedures. His systematic approach to recording the remains of a vessel will be welcomed by those charged with this responsibility, and will enlighten the uninitiated in the difficult and time consuming process. Tips for field recording include labelling and measuring timbers, photography, scaled drawing, and cataloguing data. The need for proper planning before beginning any stage of recording or reconstruction is repeatedly emphasized.

J. RICHARD STEFFY is the Sara W. and George O. Yamini Professor of Nautical Archaeology, emeritus, at Texas A&M University and the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.  He has been involved in numerous shipwreck excavations in Europe, Asia, and North America.  In recognition of his many contributions to the field of Nautical Archaeology, he was awarded a MacArthur Foundation fellowship in 1985.

Click here to see our "Shipping & Billing Information" and click here to see our "Terms and Conditions of Sale".