Nautical Charts

Putnam, G. R. (George Rockwell), 1865-Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

3.3

Word count: 241K words
Chapters: 25

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.Nautical Charts by G. R. PutnamAuthor: Putnam, G. R. (George Rockwell), 1865-,Language: English, Class: GA: Geography, Anthropology, Recreation: Mathematical geography, Cartography, Release Date: Nov 13, 2013

Editor's review

This is an English-language work by George Rockwell Putnam on nautical charts, available as a free Project Gutenberg e-book. In classification terms it falls within mathematical geography and cartography, and it discusses the nature and use of the charts required for navigation. The value of such a text lies not in its literary quality but in the popular exposition of early chart knowledge it preserves, allowing readers to understand how charts served maritime practice and what cartography's basic concerns were in the nautical field. For readers interested in maritime history, the history of cartography, or the evolution of chart-making techniques, it is a free and directly accessible primary source. It is best approached with specific questions in mind—for example, how nautical charts differ from ordinary maps, or what precision navigation demands of charts. At the same time, readers should note that the book dates from an early period, so its technical details are remote from present-day navigation practice and it should not be used as a current operational manual.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in maritime history or the history of cartography
Enthusiasts who want to learn about early chart knowledge and cartographic practice
Students who need free English-language primary material for topical reading
Readers with English reading ability who care about the evolution of nautical technology

Not a good fit for

Practitioners seeking current navigational operating standards
General readers who do not read English and need a Chinese translation
Readers expecting an illustrated chart atlas

Reading tips

First clarify whether your interest is chart history or cartographic technique, and read with questions in mind.
Note the book's date as you read, and understand its technical content in historical context.
Read alongside a general history of cartography to fill in background knowledge.
For the English original, skim chapter summaries first, then return to key passages.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Can this book be used as a modern nautical chart?

No. The book dates from an early period and discusses chart knowledge of its time, which is remote from today's chart standards and technology. It should be read only as historical and cartographic material, not used for actual navigation.

What background is needed to read this book?

Some English reading ability is needed. A basic acquaintance with cartography or maritime history will make it easier, though readers without such background can still read it, preferably alongside general introductory material for context.

What is the main scope of this book?

In classification terms it belongs to mathematical geography and cartography. It explains nautical charts as navigational documents, covering cartographic concerns such as their nature and use; the specific chapter contents must be checked against the original.

Comments

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About the author

Putnam, G. R. (George Rockwell), 1865- Author · 1865

George Rockwell Putnam (born 1865) is the author of Nautical Charts. Public information about his life is limited: his nationality, education, and professional career are not clearly documented, and only one of his works is held in this collection. Judging from the work that survives, he devoted sustained attention to the specialized field of nautical charts. Nautical Charts discusses the principles of chart compilation, systems of symbols, and standards for use, making it a practical reference for navigation and cartographic practice. Works of this kind are typically marked by clear organization and precise terminology and serve sailors, surveyors, and instructors of navigation, giving the book some reference value among specialist readers. Owing to limited sources, details of his life and scholarly connections await further verification; this note introduces only the subject and purpose of his extant work.