This book presents a collection of ballads and shanties ranging geographically over the seven seas and chhronologically over four centuries. From the first, seafaring adventurs and misfortunes have been recorded in songs, often composed by the sailors themselves, telling of every aspect of nautical life: battles and mutinies, shipwreck and cannibalism, pressgangs and piracy, and work and conditions on board. Roy Palmer has written an introduction and commentaries providing technical and historical detail, giving background information to the songs. Wherever possible, the tune to each song has been included and there is also a glossary of nautical terms.