The Complete Rigger’s Apprentice

By Brion Toss (2016; International Marine/ragged Mountain Press; $45)

Any expert can write a textbook filled with information. But any such book will pale in comparison to one written by an expert in love with what they do. Want to know more about any aspect of your standing and running rigging? Want to learn techniques for handling emergencies? Want to learn to splice line? Whip line? Do some fancy macramé around your ship’s wheel? All the information is here, and because Toss yearns to share his craft, it’s also a fun read, interspersed with wit, fascinating stories and clever illustrations. This is the second edition of the book Toss first began writing 30 years ago. His corrections and new ways of thinking are reflected on nearly every page.