Legends and Superstitions of the Sea and of Sailors: In All Lands and at All Times

Published in 1885, this comprehensive volume was compiled by Fletcher S. Bassett, a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Written during an era of significant maritime exploration and a burgeoning academic interest in folklore, the book represents a dedicated effort to document the vast array of myths, omens, and traditions shared by seafaring cultures across the globe. Bassett sought to bridge the gap between naval professional experience and the growing field of comparative mythology, drawing on his personal encounters at sea and extensive research into international records.

The design and content reflect a Victorian-era fascination with categorizing human belief systems. Bassett organized the work as a scholarly survey, intending to preserve the oral histories of sailors that were often excluded from mainstream historical narratives. Contemporary reception of the book recognized it as a unique contribution to maritime literature, valued both as a reference for folklorists and as a cultural history that captured the anxieties and traditions of those who lived and worked on the ocean.