Essential reading and reference for ship model-makers and students and enthusiasts of historic sailing ships and their rigging. Describes and depicts in detail how 17th-century English, French, Dutch and other European trading ships and warships were rigged, from the lower masts and bowsprit to the running rigging of the topsails and topgallants. Over 350 fine line drawings illustrate every rigging detail. 25 halftones, generously annotated, illustrate typical ships. Extensive bibliography.