Praus Of Indonesia

by Clifford W. Hawkins

Nautical Books, 1982, colour and b/w photographs and illustrations throughout, hardcover, dustjacket, ISBN 0333318102

Near Fine Condition, minor foxing type staining to half title page, faint finger print to bottom of first few pages (barely noticeable) minor rubbing to spine, minor bumps to corners, dustjacket has shelf and edge wear, tears, chipping and faint staining to top of front dustjacket (see photographs)

'The different types of prau are described in detail, together with their equipment and the method of building.  Of great interest also is the organisation onboard, partly developed from a strict maritime code based on the Islamic faith.  Each officer and petty officer had a specific responsibility and severe penalties were laid down for certain offences; for instance an officer whose neglect lost a prau might forfeit his life, while anyone who disobeyed the Master would receive seven lashes; yet according to the code opium smoking was permitted to prevent falling asleep on watch.
The author refers to all those who have previously written of the prau, from Joseph Banks in 1770 onwards, but in his introduction Basil Greenhill, Director of the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, states 'Clifford Hawkins has been more careful and thorough in his observations than some of the earlier field workers and the value of his text is greatly enhanced by superb photographs, each of which conveys more than hundreds of words of description'.  These in turn are complemented by drawings.'