Sir Geoffrey Callender (1875–1946) was a British naval historian who was the first director of the National Maritime Museum. In this collection, which was first published in 1915, Callender presents a series of pieces written by various 'masters of English prose' relating to maritime themes. The pieces are presented, as far as knowledge permits, in the order of their composition or publication, beginning with John Wycliffe's 'The story of Jonah' and finishing with James Anthony Froude's 'Drake'. Detailed notes are contained throughout the text, providing linguistic clarification and contextual information where necessary. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in English prose writing and writing about the sea.