About this book
Overview
"In 'Boats' we dive into the wonderful world of ships and shipping. The book includes a quirky selection from the technical aspects of ships, and is peppered with extraordinary facts and anecdotes. Van Der Veken explains with great clarity exactly what ships look like and why. He introduces readers to several magnificent ships and captains that have helped to make maritime history. He also looks in detail at communication at sea, including morse code and semaphore, and the way lighthouses work. All through the book, Van Der Veken focuses on the beautiful, remarkable and poetic aspects of technology. In the final chapter he looks at myths and at superstition among sailors. Jan Van Der Veken combines the organic structure of the book with playful illustrations in 'ligne claire' style and in extensive technical drawings. They place the book, as they did his Planes, in a unique position among nonfiction titles for children. No well-trodden paths here, and the book is not intended to be encyclopaedic. Despite that, 'Boats' will undoubtedly stir the interest of adults too"--
