Britain and the Ocean Road: Shipwrecks and People, 1297-1825

In the age of sail, Britain and the Ocean Road explores British maritime history through the stories of eight shipwrecks, highlighting the people, ships, and events that shaped Britain's global sea power. Based on original scholarship, the book offers surprising details and scenes, including the rudest street name in England, the experience of being a passenger on a medieval ship, and the reach of English theater during Shakespeare's lifetime.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2020
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Britain and the Ocean Road delves into British maritime history during the age of sail through fresh firsthand research and unconventional interpretations. The book weaves together the human stories of eight shipwrecks, serving as poignant waypoints on the journey. It explores the intricate factors that propelled Britain to become a global sea power, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped its naval prowess.

At the heart of each chapter lies a diverse cast of characters, encompassing sailors, seafaring families, passengers, merchants, pirates, explorers, and countless others. The narrative spans an extraordinary range of people, ships, and events, including a bloody maritime civil war in the 13th century, a 17th-century American teenager who transitioned from one ship to another and into a life of piracy, a British warship that fought valiantly at Trafalgar (on the French side), and the harrowing tale of a Liverpool slave ship, sunk just before the abolition of the slave trade.

The book is brimming with surprising details and vivid scenes, painting a captivating portrait of England's history and culture. From the rudest and crudest street names to the experiences of being a passenger on a medieval ship, from the dissemination of English theatre to the far-reaching effects of Shakespeare's works, from the enigmatic aftermath of deadly pirate duels to the whimsical fancy dress parties in the Arctic, and from the best places to savor the delectable taste of herring, Britain and the Ocean Road offers a wealth of information and insights.

This captivating work is the first of two volumes, designed to introduce a broad audience to the captivating and sometimes harrowing story of Britain, its people, and the sea. The books will also appeal to historians and archaeologists, as they are grounded in original scholarship. The second installment, Black Oil on the Waters, will trace the story from the age of steam to the 21st century, continuing to unravel the intricate tapestry of Britain's maritime history.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526738363