An universal dictionary of the marine: or a copious explanation of the technical terms and phrases employed in the construction, equipment, furniture, machinery, movements, and military operations of a ship. Illustrated with a variety of original designs ... To which is annexed a translation of the French sea-terms and phrases collected from the works of Mess. Du Hamel, Aubin, Saverien, &c

London: printed for T. Cadell (successor to Mr. Millar) in the Strand, 1769. First edition, 4to, pp. [440]; 12 folding copperplates; with a 4-page list of subscribers; full contemporary calf, red and black morocco labels on spine; upper joint starting, but still a very good, sound copy. Gilt supralibros on upper cover of the Viscount Courtenay, i.e. William Courtenay, 2nd Viscount Courtenay (1742-1788). "The first attempt at a comprehensive dictionary the marine terminology" (Alston). The last 96 pp. of the text are devoted to the translation of terms from the French marine. Falconer (1730-1769) became a sailor at an early age, was twice shipwrecked and twice saved against incredible odds; these two events were the seeds which led to his famous poem, "The Shipwreck," one of the most famous poems, and certainly the most famous nautical poem in the English language. On a third voyage, undertaken in the year his Marine Dictionary was first published, Falconer was not as lucky, and after September, 1769 he was not heard from again. His dictionary was immediately popular and went through a number of editions into the 19th century. "A grand National work," the London Gentleman's Magazine called it, "comprehending every thing relating to the marine of this country; a performance which displays great industry, sagacity, and precision, and is indispensable to everyone concerned with maritime affairs." Adams and Waters, English Maritime Books, 1039; Alston XVIII, 871; Craig, pp. 15-16; Zischka, p. 75.