the man who thought like a ship
By Loren C. Steffy
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Unlock the Secrets of the Sea-and the Human Spirit
Step aboard a journey that spans centuries and continents in The Man Who Thought Like a Ship, Loren C. Steffy's masterful biography of his father, J. Richard "Dick" Steffy-the self-taught genius who transformed nautical archaeology and changed our understanding of ancient seafaring forever.
From humble beginnings in small-town Pennsylvania, Dick Steffy's fascination with ships began with paper boats and flour paste on the living room floor. But his relentless curiosity and meticulous craftsmanship propelled him far beyond his roots, leading him to reconstruct the Kyrenia Ship—the oldest Greek merchant vessel ever recovered from the depths of the Mediterranean. With no formal training, Steffy pioneered methods that bridged the gap between engineering, history, and archaeology, breathing life into timbers that had slept beneath the sea for over two thousand years
The Man Who Thought Like a Ship is more than a biography—it's a testament to the power of imagination, perseverance, and the enduring bond between fathers and sons. Through Steffy's eyes, readers witness the painstaking process of piecing together ancient hulls, the thrill of discovery, and the quiet triumphs of a mind uniquely attuned to the language of wood and water. Rich with evocative storytelling, vivid historical detail, and personal reflection, this book reveals how one man's dream illuminated the past and inspired generations to come.
Perfect for lovers of history, maritime adventure, and stories of unlikely genius, The Man Who Thought Like a Ship invites you to see the world—and yourself—through the eyes of a man who dared to think differently.
“Dick Steffy created an entirely new branch of archaeology: the decipherment of shipwrecked hulls. This beautifully written and intimate biography could only have been penned by his son, a professional journalist, who not only had access to personal family papers, but grew up with the family members and colleagues who fill out the cast of characters in the story. It’s a great read for anyone interested in the creative process.”
Texas A&M University
“Loren Steffy's book is a touching account of the process of his father's scholarly growth and maturation, filled with anecdotes that fill out a convincing portrait of the man and his accomplishments.”
“Passion lies at the heart of Loren Steffy's biography of his father, J. Richard Steffy, known as Dick to his colleagues and Mr. Steffy to his many students. It is an accurate portrayal of a man's passion for and intellectual engagement with solving problems that had little to do with daily life while remaining firmly dedicated to his family.”
“A refreshingly non-academic work that is at once easy to read and enlightening.”
