Off the shore of Hatteras Island, where the inner edge of the Gulf Stream flows northward over the outer continental shelf, the marine life is unlike that of any other area in the Atlantic. Here the powerful ocean river helps foster an extraordinarily rich diversity of life, including Sargassum mats concealing strange creatures and exotic sea beans, whales and sea turtles, sunfish and flying fish, and shearwaters and Bermuda petrels. During his long career as a research scientist, David S. Lee made more than 300 visits to this area off the North Carolina coast, documenting its extraordinary biodiversity. In this collection of twenty linked essays, Lee draws on his personal observations and knowledge of the North Atlantic marine environment to introduce us to the natural wonders of an offshore treasure. Lee guides readers on adventures miles offshore and leagues under the sea, blending personal anecdotes with richly detailed natural history, local culture, and seafaring lore. These journeys provide entertaining and informative connections between the land and the diverse organisms that live in the Gulf Stream off the coast of North Carolina. Lee also reminds us that ocean environments are fragile and vulnerable to threats such as pollution, offshore energy development, and climate change, challenging those of us on land to consider carefully the costs of ignoring sea life that thrives just beyond our view.

The Nautical Magazine for 1845 features articles on China, seamen's welfare and the Franklin expedition to the North-West Passage.

The Naval Chronicle, published in 40 volumes between 1799 and 1818, is a key source for British maritime and military history. This reissue is the first complete printed reproduction of what was the most influential maritime publication of its day. The subjects covered range from accounts of battles and lists of ships to notices of promotions and marriages, courts martial and deaths, and biographies, poetry and letters. Each volume also contains engravings and charts relating to naval engagements and important harbours around the world. Volume 39 (1818) includes an 'autobiographical' memoir, allegedly written on St Helena by Napoleon. The financial concerns of a post-war navy are obvious. William Wilberforce was involved with a committee set up for the relief of the thousands of destitute former sailors in London. Concerns were expressed about the building up of the American navy, and appeals made for the ending of impressment.

The 1856 Nautical Magazine includes reports on proposals for canals at Suez and Panama and for a telegraph to India.

The 1869 Nautical Magazine reports the completion of the Suez Canal and the Pacific Railroad and a proposed Channel Tunnel.