Early Ships and Seafaring: European Water Transport

Early Ships and Seafaring: Water Transport Within Europe is a book that provides up-to-date information on the construction and use of boats and ships between the Stone Age and AD1500, including the Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe. It is accessible to those with little or no knowledge of the building and uses of boats, and introduces the reader to the theory and techniques used in the study of early boats and the evidence available.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Early Ships and Seafaring: Water Transport Within Europe is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the construction and utilization of boats and ships between the Stone Age and AD1500. Building upon Professor Sen McGrail's earlier work, Ancient Boats and Ships, this volume delves deeper into the rich history of water transport within Europe, encompassing the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions.

Designed to be accessible to individuals with limited or no prior knowledge of boat building and usage, whether ancient or modern, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to the field. Sen McGrail guides the reader through the theoretical frameworks and techniques employed in the study of early boats, as well as the diverse range of evidence available to us, including archaeological, documentary, iconographic, experimental, and ethnographic sources. Additionally, he discusses the natural, physical laws that govern the behavior of boats and ships.

The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on a specific period or region of European boat history. The first chapter provides an overview of the development of boats and ships from the Stone Age to the Roman period. It explores the early types of boats, such as dugouts and reed boats, and the technological advancements that led to the construction of more sophisticated vessels. The second chapter examines the maritime trade and commerce in the Mediterranean region during the classical and medieval periods. It discusses the role of ships in the transportation of goods, the establishment of trade routes, and the economic impact of seafaring on the development of civilizations.

The third chapter focuses on the development of shipbuilding techniques and materials in the Atlantic region during the early modern period. It explores the use of wood, iron, and steel in ship construction, as well as the introduction of new technologies such as the compass and the rudder. The fourth chapter examines the maritime history of Europe during the Age of Discovery and Exploration. It explores the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and other explorers, as well as the trade routes and colonial settlements that were established as a result of these voyages.

The fifth chapter explores the maritime history of Europe during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. It discusses the development of steamships, the rise of the merchant navy, and the impact of maritime technology on the global economy. The book also includes numerous illustrations and photographs that provide visual representations of the boats and ships discussed in the text.

Overall, Early Ships and Seafaring: Water Transport Within Europe is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of water transport within Europe. It offers a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of the construction and utilization of boats and ships, and provides a wealth of information and insights into the rich maritime heritage of the region. Whether you are a historian, archaeologist, or simply a curious reader, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399019453