The sailor's word-book By Admiral WH Smyth Published by Conway Maritime Press ISBN 0851779727 paperback Price £9.99 Although first published in 1867, this digest of nautical terms is far more than just a period piece and should prove interesting to sailors and wordsmiths alike. It defines a huge range of both common and rare terms, some of which are technically obsolete but still appear in contemporary books and enrich the English language.

From 'afforciament' (an old term for fortress) to 'zopissa' (tar scraped off the bottom of old ships and thought to be good for ulcers) and encompassing every aspect of ships and the sea, this book provides a real treasure trove of fascinating information.

Smeaton's Tower By Christopher Severn Published by Seafarer Books ISBN 0954275098 paperback L Price £13.95 This is the epic story of how John Smeaton designed the world's first stone-built 'wavewashed' lighthouse. His revolutionary design replaced the wooden Eddystone Light, which had been consumed by fire in 1755. Smeaton's lighthouse became a prototype for lighthouses to follow, proving its worth despite the contemporary view that 'nothing but wood will last upon the Eddystone'.

The story is based on Smeaton's own account and is illustrated with a mixture of Smeaton's engravings and Christopher Severn's drawings. The author has woven into the real historical events a fictional tale of love, mystery and revenge. A really gripping read.

Through the land of fire - fifty-six south By Ben Pester Published by Seafarer Books ISBN 0954275055 paperback Price £13.95 This is an account of a (present-day) voyage made by Ben Pester and two friends in the 35-year-old Bermudan sloop Mareile from Falmouth to the dangerous and mysterious waters around Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia. The climax of the nine-month voyage is the rounding of Cape Horn - a challenge to generations of sailors.

The author adds to the drama of his own story by describing some of the adventures of sailors from a bygone age who braved the same seas, such as Magellan and Darwin.

The sense of personal achievement and the realisation of a boyhood ambition really come through as the story unfolds.

Fowey: a busy harbour By Gerry Hones Price £3.50 This booklet describing everyday life in Fowey harbour was reviewed in the autumn 2004 issue of the Lifeboat. Due to its great popularity, the booklet has now been reprinted. It is available from the author at 3 Manor Park, Weston, Bath BA1 3RH.

Please make cheques payable to Gerry Hones. Price includes postage and packaging. All profits go to the RNLI.

Buy books and CDs through this Amazon link 1 amaZOnCO Uk /O will go to (he RNLI Unless other ordering details are stated, all books reviewed in the Lifeboat are available from all good bookshops and online from Amazon via the RNLI website at www.rnli.org.uk. Amazon will donate 5 per cent of the value of all these orders to the RNLI. (For the RNLI to benefit, you must access Amazon via the RNLI website, not go direct to Amazon.).