The great era of the sailing fleet ended at the end of the 19th century, when ironclad battleships, completely devoid of sailing equipment, began to leave the British shipyards. However, until that time, the history of many countries in Europe, Asia and America was inextricably linked precisely with sailing ships. This book is a kind of guide that allows you to trace the evolution of sailing ships - from reed boats of the ancient Egyptians to high-speed British clippers. More than one hundred and fifty color drawings allow you to immediately assess what are the differences between the triera and the pentera of the Roman fleet, between the caravel and the galleon. You will learn what penteconter and corbit, shebek and pinass are. Which ship was considered the most decorated in the world? Which ships were called turtles? Answers to these and many other questions in the book.