A Boat of China by Michael Briant

A Boat of China by Michael Briant, known as “The Junkman”, is an unusual and highly personal maritime memoir centred on traditional Chinese sailing junks and the author’s experiences with these remarkable vessels. Published in 2018, the book is presented in an attractive landscape-format hardcover, slightly larger than A4, making it particularly well suited to its photographic and maritime subject matter.

Briant recounts the story of his involvement with Chinese junks, including the vessel Ying Hong, combining personal recollections, practical seamanship and observations on traditional Chinese boat construction. The narrative takes the reader through numerous aspects of the project and voyage, with chapters devoted to the hull, launching, masts, bamboo, neighbours, steering arrangements, a jury rudder, typhoon conditions and eventual departure.

A Boat of China provides an engaging first-hand perspective on a form of traditional sailing craft with a centuries-old history. Rather than being a conventional technical manual, it combines maritime adventure, memoir and information about the distinctive construction and handling of Chinese junks. Photographic illustrations complement the narrative and give the reader a visual record of the vessels, people and events described.

Extending to approximately 219 pages, A Boat of China is an uncommon specialist title with particular appeal to collectors and readers interested in Chinese junks, traditional sailing craft, wooden boats, maritime history, boatbuilding and ocean voyaging. The apparent private nature of the publication and absence of a conventional ISBN add interest for collectors of obscure and independently produced nautical literature.

Condition – Near Fine

2018 hardcover in landscape format, slightly larger than A4, with only light signs of handling. Pages are clean and well preserved. A separate black-and-white photograph of a traditional Chinese junk has been taped to the endpaper, as pictured.