Letters to a Novice
by Francis B. Cooke
Illustrated by Archie White
While this small volume is much akin to many "Learning about Sailing and Cruising," guides, the experience, knowledge and intelligence of Francis Cooke would be almost enough to set it apart alone. However, the means by which he imparts the information, letters to a novice, have a strange way of making information you thought you already knew come alive and reveal hidden aspects. It is a highly effective technique, and one is almost sure to learn, either something entirely new from this reading, or at the very least a refreshing new insight to what was thought to be a well-known subject. From contemporary reviews: Scotsman: “A guide to the yachting novice is provided by Francis B. Cooke. Written in letter form, it tells the beginner how to buy, equip, and sail a yacht, what kind of clothing to wear, what books to read, and generally how to become the complete yachtsman. Mr. Cooke’s friendly coloquial manner makes his instructions easy to assimilate.” and . . . . Yachting Monthly: “This book can be recommended to everyone who proposes to go afloat, whether as owner or crew, for if the teachings therein are digested he will have gained a sound foundation of theory upon which to build with experience. More experienced yachtsmen will also find something to interest them in this volume, for one of the greatest charms of cruising is that there is always something to learn. The book is illustrated with a number of clear line drawings and five attractive half-tone illustrations by Archie White.”
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