Tall Ships

Book excerpt: Over 100 illustrations. The Age of Sail has spanned the greater part of man's history, inspiring some of the most beautiful ocean-going craft ever created. Using modern photography as well as archival photographs, paintings, and historical illustrations, the great tall ships of the past and present are revealed on these pages. Here are the stories of the ships of the early explorers, the warships of the Spanish Armada and the British Royal Navy, and the merchantmen and clipper ships that opened trade routes and helped build empires. Finally, a full-color portfolio presents the tall ships of the present day as they ply the oceans to train young sailors and thrill crowds at holiday sailing celebrations. Over 100 full-color photographs capture the magic of these marine marvels.