Superstitions of Sailors

by Angelo Solomon Rappoport

First published in 1928 as Superstitions of sailors by Stanley Paul & Co., London

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Mermaids

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1928

About the author

Angelo Solomon Rappoport (1871-1950)
Also published as A.S. Rappoport

Reviews

[Beatriz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Lots of interesting new ideas for my fairlighted ^^

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've actually had this book for several years, but apparently, it didn't get caught and added.

Originally published in 1928, so the writing is somewhat odd. Enjoyable overall, as the authors tries to put as much of various myths and legends, local information - such as certain parts of Scotland think this way, other parts react this way as an example, and around the world of the sea, and everything in it. Really interesting.

[Aaron Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I was fortunate to have found the original (1928) first edition hardcover for a bargain price of £25 in the excellent courtyard books in Glastonbury. The book was in somewhat rough condition but due to it's rarity I couldn't leave it behind and I'm glad I didn't because this gold mine of endless forgotten reports and testimonies from a bygone era on the high seas is simply flawless. I managed to rebind and restore the battered book back to a somewhat respectable grade and finally got around to reading these lost maritime tales. Angelo Solomon Rappoport did a superb job of compiling these reports and folk legends and it's easy to see the length he went to in bringing them to his reader. The book includes alleged true tales of mermaids,mermen,haunted ships to mysterious islands and of course traditional superstitions of sailors from all over the world. These accounts go as far back as the 1700s and even into antiquity. Quite simply put if you are curious about maritime legends, sea monsters and everything inbetween then Rappoport has you covered not to mention his finesse regarding his writing in bringing these obscure reports to your eyes. For me the reading experience was heightened due to the rustic (1928) feel and smell of the book which of course adds to the enjoyment of reading, especially due to its mysterious subject matter. The original (1928) hardcover is beautifully made with thick cardstock for pages, lovely black and white illustrated plates throughout, they just don't make books like that anymore but thankfully they still exist. One of the most memorable books I've had the pleasure of reading and devoured this in two nights, as I said maritime tales don't get much better than (Superstitions of sailors) so go and pick up the reprint which is readily available and read on a rainy evening, you will not be disappointed.

[Aaron Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I was fortunate to have found the original (1928) first edition hardcover for a bargain price of £25 in the excellent courtyard books in Glastonbury. The book was in somewhat rough condition but due to it's rarity I couldn't leave it behind and I'm glad I didn't because this gold mine of endless forgotten reports and testimonies from a bygone era on the high seas is simply flawless. I managed to rebind and restore the battered book back to a somewhat respectable grade and finally got around to reading these lost maritime tales. Angelo Solomon Rappoport did a superb job of compiling these reports and folk legends and it's easy to see the length he went to in bringing them to his reader. The book includes alleged true tales of mermaids,mermen,haunted ships to mysterious islands and of course traditional superstitions of sailors from all over the world. These accounts go as far back as the 1700s and even into antiquity. Quite simply put if you are curious about maritime legends, sea monsters and everything inbetween then Rappoport has you covered not to mention his finesse regarding his writing in bringing these obscure reports to your eyes. For me the reading experience was heightened due to the rustic (1928) feel and smell of the book which of course adds to the enjoyment of reading, especially due to its mysterious subject matter. The original (1928) hardcover is beautifully made with thick cardstock for pages, lovely black and white illustrated plates throughout, they just don't make books like that anymore but thankfully they still exist. One of the most memorable books I've had the pleasure of reading and devoured this in two nights, as I said maritime tales don't get much better than (Superstitions of sailors) so go and pick up the reprint which is readily available and read on a rainy evening, you will not be disappointed.

[Sam O'H]

This book is a catalog of superstitions. It would be a great research tool, but not so interesting to just read straight through.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, but unfortunately neither relies on, nor gives much credit to original sources. Some of the tales were extremely intriguing, there wasn't a lot of details (which I would have liked more of) and, sadly, the bibliography doesn't contain a lof of original sources either, just compilations like this book.