Comments on: More on research for a fantasy novel…

By: Glenda Larke

Glenda Larke — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:53:49 +0000

Peter, I think back in those days, it really was important to have a good captain or first officer – it could really make the difference between life and death. Navigation was so difficult with unreliable equipment, but some people seemed to have a flare for it… Another remarkable navigator was Captain Bligh. Oh, and Matthew Flinders, too.

"The Ship" talks about this too. The Modern crew was trying to replicate the 18th century methods – not so easy!

By: Glenda Larke

Glenda Larke — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:35:46 +0000

Jo — that's great. Thanks for the offer! I may take you up on it.

By: Glenda Larke

Glenda Larke — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:34:33 +0000

It's interesting how these tales are passed down through families, isn't it? My grandfather's middle name was Starling. The name was a family tradition because an ancestor had been a sailor on a ship that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar, and the ship's captain's name was Starling. The ancestor was convinced that he only survived because of the captain's skills, and he started the tradition.

So the family story goes. I've never checked it out!

By: Sean Wright

Sean Wright — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:07:23 +0000

That is unbelievable neat. My only claim to fame is that one of my ancestors fought alongside William the Conqueror, I share this honour with about 60,000 Scandinavians though.

My wife though is somewhat more closely related to John Law the Controller General of Finances of France under King Louis XV.

The book looks great though with pictures and maps

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:02:44 +0000

Cook was an extraordinary navigator given that chronometers were yet to be invented (to determine longitude).

I recommend a good book that explains, in layman's terms, the problem of determining longitde in navigation and the genius who invented a reliable and portable chronometer.

Longitude by Dava Sobel.

By: Satima Flavell

Satima Flavell — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:27:52 +0000

How wonderful that you are able to peruse your great-great-grandfather's take on a subject you need to research, by looking at his map. I'd like to think I could leave something valuable like that for my great-great-grandchildren to read!

By: Cat Sparks

Cat Sparks — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:02:40 +0000

Thanks Glenda, I'm already a big fan of Rob Ossian's site but hadn't yet tapped in to the British National Archives. I'm doing a fair bit of nautical research for one of my books too.

By: Jo

Jo — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:59:59 +0000

Having lived on a boat/yacht for a large portion of my life, I know a lot about boats and ships. I have even helped to clean a ship's bottom although mostly we did it with scuba gear on. However, if you ran aground, it was easier to get at the bottom of the hull. If there is ever anything you want to ask me, that I might know, don't hesitate. I know a lot of things that writers of books might not explain because they are so familiar with various terms etc.

Your new trilogy sounds exciitng I will look forward to it.