The small fore-and-afters, the coastal schooners, were among the last commercial sailing ships to remain in existence; today they are gone, as are nearly all the men who sailed in them, and with them the knowledge which was needed to work them by the power of the wind alone.

This book, written by one sailed on them, paints an authentic picture of life at sea and describes the ships and seamanship which he came to know so well, though one of the most remarkable aspects of Bennet's work is the magnificent collection of drawings which depict every aspect of the ships' construction and rig. Information on the smallest item of equipment is to be found in these pages and is presented in a way which could only ever have been done by one who had first-hand experience. This is augmented by a newly-compiled list of vessels extant in 1935 and the few remaining in 1945.

With the passing of the years and of the men who sailed the last merchant schooners we have lost most of the detailed knowledge that was needed to build and sail them; Douglas Bennet's contribution is as unique as it is clear and this posthumously published work will become an essential source document for all enthusiasts of the last days of sail, practical sailors and, not least, those many modellers who, until now, have sought in vain for a clear image of some small shipboard detail.