A classic journey through the rivers and coastal waterways of Essex and Suffolk. Rivers of East Anglia brings to life the character, history, wildlife, sailing culture, and quiet beauty of England’s eastern coast — ideal for sailors, travelers, and anyone who loves timeless maritime landscapes.
Format
Also Available As
Physical paperback book
Printed on demand and shipped to your address
Ships from office stock: dispatched Wednesday/Thursday
Office stock · packed by Irving Books
Tracked delivery
Times are from dispatch. All shipments are tracked. Customs delays outside our control may occasionally extend international windows.
Pay later available
Klarna, Afterpay/Clearpay and Affirm may appear at checkout where eligible.
Rivers of East Anglia is a richly written exploration of England’s eastern coastline, guiding the reader along the tidal rivers and hidden creeks of Essex and Suffolk. From Burnham-on-Crouch and the Blackwater to the River Colne, Stour, Orwell, Deben, and the Ore, the book offers a true sense of place and movement, written from the perspective of a traveler exploring these waters by small boat.
The narrative reveals quiet harbors, marshlands alive with sea-lavender, oyster towns shaped by tide and trade, and villages that still hold traces of smugglers, fishermen, and naval history. Each river is portrayed with its own character — the bustle of yachting ports, the tranquility of secluded estuaries, the open sweep of coastal water, and the peaceful feeling of drifting between wooded banks.
Unlike modern guidebooks, this work captures the atmosphere, pace, and discovery of slow coastal travel. It speaks to sailors and canoeists who know the pull of tide and wind; to readers who appreciate English local history and landscape; and to anyone seeking a deeper, more personal connection to the coast.
This is a book to read slowly — or to carry with you on your own journey. It inspires exploration, curiosity, and the timeless desire to follow a river to where it meets the sea.
Be the first to know about new releases, exclusive offers, and archive discoveries.
Commander John Irving · Hardcover · 589pp
Step aboard a bygone era of British seamanship with The Yachtsman's Week-End Book - John Irving's timeless maritime classic. Blending history, wit, and nautical lore, this richly illustrated compendium captures the romance of sailing, seamanship, and sea life around Britain's coasts. Perfect for sailors, collectors, and lovers of the sea.
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days
Commander John Irving · Paperback · 589pp
Step aboard a bygone era of British seamanship with The Yachtsman's Week-End Book - John Irving's timeless maritime classic. Blending history, wit, and nautical lore, this richly illustrated compendium captures the romance of sailing, seamanship, and sea life around Britain's coasts. Perfect for sailors, collectors, and lovers of the sea. Paperback, 589 Pages
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days
Commander John Irving · eBook · 175pp
Royal Navalese dives into the heart of Royal Navy tradition with this captivating hardcover book, meticulously compiled by RN Commander John Irving, a distinguished figure from the early 20th century and father to the acclaimed historian David Irving. This book offers a unique window into naval life, uncovering the secret language - or "Navalese" - spoken among sailors of the Royal Navy up until the twilight of the British Empire post-1945. Paired with the whimsical illustrations by Beryl Irving, David Irving's mother serves as both a historical artefact and a lively read. The book brings to life the camaraderie, hardships, and distinctive humour that characterized naval life. Each term and expression is presented with clarity, often accompanied by amusing anecdotes that capture the essence of maritime culture. First published in 1946 and republished in 2020 by Focal Point International, London, this edition allows readers to explore the nuances of naval slang that has evolved over centuries, offering insights into the language and Royal Navy life during a pivotal era. Whether you're a naval enthusiast, a linguistics aficionado, or simply curious about the unique lexicon of one of the world's most renowned maritime forces, "Royal Navalese: A Glossary of Fo'csle Language" promises an enriching journey through the words and expressions that have shaped the identity of the Royal Navy.
Instant digital delivery
Commander John Irving · Hardcover · 250pp
Master the art of coastal navigation with Lt.-Commander John Irving's timeless guide for sailors and students of the sea. From plotting your first course to reading buoys and avoiding collisions, Coastal Navigation and Pilotage offers clear, practical instruction backed by detailed charts and diagrams. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yachtsman, this book will give you the confidence to sail safely along any coast. A must-have manual for every navigator's cabin table. Order your copy today and chart your own safe landfall.
Printed to order · 3–6 UK days