Since ancient times, man has relied on sea-going vessels for transportation, exploration, trade, and warfare. This beautifully rendered collection of illustrations by such famous maritime artists as Gordon Grant and John Batchelor offers a pictorial history of sailing ships from centuries past. The sea of amazing images includes everything from the royal barge of an Egyptian pharaoh, Viking ships, Columbus' Santa Maria, and the pilgrim fathers' Mayflower, as well as submarines, steamboats, ocean liners, and more. Filled with 119 color and 77 black-and-white illustrations, this stunning volume will enhance an ocean of craft and design projects, while thrilling nautical book collectors.