The breadth of the subject matter is impressive, and this book is probably a "must have" for those interested in nautical folklore and mythology. The drawback, unfortunately, is that many of the yarns that Beck relates from his encounters with old salts of Scotland, the West Indies, and elsewhere, simply don't deliver the goods. Too many are either anti-climatic or borderline incoherent. Beck himself alluded to this in the epilogue, noting that some yarns are better heard and witnessed in person as much of the flavor of the story comes from the delivery and body language of the storyteller him/herself. When put into print, much of the impact is diminished especially if the story wasn't that compelling to begin with. I'm probably being too harsh with my 2.5 rating, but yet I can't go higher than a 3 for this reason. That said, I'm glad I have this title on my shelf.

One other note: the reprinted version from the 1990s in paperback has an awful, generic cover but it does include an updated foreword from Beck with many profound insights that is worth reading, though undoubtedly some will find his opinions sexist or "behind the time." ( )