Business Details
Nautical Publishers & Booksellers Since 1832
Established in 1832, we are a family-owned publishing house specialising in nautical literature and maritime resources. Our legacy began as a stationery business near Glasgow's Clyde River, evolving into a globally respected publisher of technical and historical maritime works. Over nearly two centuries, we have maintained rigorous editorial standards while expanding our portfolio to include Scottish plays and literature.Our editorial team combines generational expertise with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in technical publications like Brown's Nautical Almanac. With six family generations at the helm, we continue serving seafarers, historians, and model ship enthusiasts worldwide through our extensive catalogue of over 1,000 publications.
Services
Nautical Almanacs
Maritime Textbooks
Ship Model Plans
Historical Sea Books
Scottish Plays Publishing
Highlights and features
- Six generations of family ownership since 1832
- Publishers of the definitive Brown's Nautical Almanac
- Specialists in maritime technical publications for 190 years
- Maintain 179-year archive of Nautical Magazine editions
- Leading Scottish play publishers with 300+ titles in print
What people say
Authoritative publications
Historic significance
Family dedication
Specialist knowledge
Global resource
Services
Nautical Almanacs
We produce the definitive annual Brown's Nautical Almanac, containing essential navigational data for professional seafarers. First published in 1876, this technical reference work provides astronomical ephemerides, tidal information, and maritime regulations. Officers worldwide rely on our almanac as 'The Sailor's Bible' for accurate voyage planning and compliance with international shipping standards.
Historical Sea Books
Our extensive range of historical maritime publications covers shipbuilding techniques, naval conflicts, and seafaring traditions. From 19th-century sailing ship construction to modern dredging operations, these works combine academic rigor with accessible storytelling. We preserve rare maritime knowledge through reprints of classic texts alongside original historical research.
Ship Model Plans
We offer precision working plans for scaled ship models, including 253 sailing ship designs and 116 power craft plans. These detailed technical drawings cater to model makers at all skill levels, featuring accurate hull lines, rigging specifications, and construction methodology. Our collection includes both contemporary designs and historical replicas.
Scottish Plays Publishing
As Scotland's leading play publishers, we maintain a catalogue of 200+ one-act and 100+ full-length plays. Our theatrical publications span traditional dramas to contemporary works, selected for their quality and festival performance success. This collection preserves Scotland's dramatic heritage while supporting modern playwrights.
Nautical Stationery
We supply specialist ships' stationery meeting international maritime documentation requirements. Our products include logbooks, charts, and official forms used by commercial vessels worldwide. These durable, regulation-compliant materials reflect our understanding of seafarers' practical needs developed over nearly two centuries.
People
T. Nigel Brown
Chairman and Managing Director
Sixth-generation family member leading production since 1964. Oversees editorial accuracy for technical publications including Brown's Nautical Almanac. Maintains rigorous standards established by predecessors since 1832.
Richard Brown
Director
Joined in 2006 as sixth-generation representative. Manages catalogue development and digital preservation of historic publications. Ensures continuity of family values while implementing modern distribution methods.
Wendy Brown
Director
Sixth-generation family member responsible for Scottish plays division. Curates theatrical catalogue while maintaining focus on quality standards established through 190 years of family publishing experience.
L. Ingram-Brown
Former Company Secretary
Retired in 2008 after 40 years' service. Instrumental in maintaining business continuity during transition to modern publishing practices while preserving historic records dating from 1832.
Questions
What specialisations does Brown, Son and Ferguson have?
We specialise in nautical publications including technical guides, maritime history, ship model plans, and Scottish plays. Our flagship product is Brown's Nautical Almanac.
How long has the company been in operation?
Since 1832, making us Scotland's oldest continuously operating maritime publishing house with six family generations involved.
Are historical publications available?
Yes, we maintain a 179-year archive of Nautical Magazine editions and offer reprints of out-of-print maritime works.
Do you publish modern maritime resources?
Yes, we publish updated editions of technical works like Thomas' Stowage and Meteorology for Seafarers alongside annual almanacs.
What makes your publications unique?
Combining 190 years of maritime expertise with family stewardship, we maintain exacting editorial standards and preserve rare nautical knowledge in both historical and technical works.
