According to his obituary in the New York Times Laurence Urdang was, "a prolific lexicographer who had a hand in more than 100 dictionaries and other reference books." These included such diverse projects as his essay on "Ooglification in American English Slang," his "Dictionary of Misunderstood, Mispronounced and Misused Words," and several works on Ologies and Isms. His most celebrated production was the massive 2000 page "Random House Dictionary of the English Language." Published in 1966 after a seven year $3 million effort, it was the first dictionary to be compiled with the aid of a computer. Larry Urdang was also an accomplished linguist, a successful publisher, a polished raconteur and, most importantly from our point of view, a loyal and supportive customer. He purchased maritime books from us because - again in the words of the New York Times - "(toward the end of his life) he was working on a dictionary of nautical and maritime words." It is hard to say how close he came to completing this endeavor, but he did leave substantial computer files of his project. These files are part of the Laurence Urdang archive, which is being handled by our colleague, Rulon-Miller Books. In the meantime Larry has also left a substantial library of nautical books. These appear to have been collected haphazardly until we recall the purpose for which they were gathered. Whether they deal with maritime travels, shipbuilding skills, or the varied ways of the sailor, each of these volumes contains words, phrases, origins and attributions that were grist for Larry's fine- grinding mill. We are honored to present this collection in the present catalog, and in one more to follow. These books are part of his legacy; a tribute to his wide ranging intelligence and to the pure delight he took in words.