Quirky History

John Quirk loves history, drawing and boats and these three elements come together in this attractive and entertaining book. He has sought out obscure episodes or familiar events from the past and written engagingly about them, illustrated with his excellent colour cartoons. Where possible he relates the historical happenings and maritime moments to the present day, be it when tracing the history of the screw, misinformation (fake news) during the Second World War, plague ships in the fourteenth century, or Russia's ill-fated war with Japan in 1904.

The events covered range from Henry V's invasion of France in 1415, consisting mainly of chartered French ships and paid for partially by Dick Whittington, to episodes in the Second World War, like the Somali Camel Corps capturing a German U-boat. Other historic figures involved include Horatio Nelson, Napoleon, Rudolf Diesel and Lawrence of Arabia. The 25 stories and over 100 cartoons are a treasure-trove of compelling, salt-infused, tales told with imagination and humour, with an eye on the present day, which will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in maritime history (or even just history).

Praise for Quirky History

"Some of the stories are amusing… some inspiring… some poignant… and a few downright sad – but all are true and are well worth reading. Quirky History would make a great Christmas present for almost anyone, but do give yourself time to enjoy it first!"
— Flying Fish

"Funny, informative, and above all quirky … He prods, entertains, and startles us with implausible stories which he manages to convince us were not altogether impossible. His vignettes are particularly rich with geographical diversity and humour."
— The Northern Mariner

"A book billed as 'quirky' is likely to be opinionated, individual and occasionally provocative. John Quirk's book is all of these things. It's also clever and funny and will make an attractive gift."
— Yachting Monthly

"John Quirk's 25 stories and 100 cartoons are a guide to entertaining maritime history."
— The Armourer

"The book is filled with cartoons and jokes that run throughout the 25 stories featured, all designed to inspire and grab the attention of kids young and old."
— Coast Magazine

About the Author

John Quirk's biography would have been a lot shorter if the German bomb that landed outside the air raid shelter in which he was born, had gone off. He started drawing soon after and left UK at 25 for East Africa, followed by New York. He moved to Australia nearly 40 years ago and lives on the water at Patonga Creek with his wife where he enjoys drawing, writing and messing about in boats.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.