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Maritime Books – Historical Interest

We’ve chosen a few maritime books – historical interest topics to dive into this month. We explore some riveting tales of life at sea and maritime developments over the years.

PIRACY IN THE EARLY MODERN ERA: AN ANTHOLOGY OF SOURCES

By Kris Lane (Editor) and Arne Bialuschewski (Editor)

Drawn from a range of different of sources, including Lane and Bialuschewski’s own archival research and translations, these carefully selected texts cover over two hundred years (1548–1726) of global, early-modern piracy.

The authors offer explanations of each document and a concise introduction to the historical context of the period, while avoiding the romanticized and Anglo-centric depictions of maritime predation that one often finds in books that cover this particular topic.

With piracy still a concern for shippers today, this book provides insight into the history of piracy and gives a better understanding of the crime.

THE DIARY OF DR. CHALONER CLAY: THE DIARY OF THE VOYAGE TO AUSTRALIA ON BOARD THE SAILING SHIP ‘HESPERUS’ IN THE YEAR 1881

By Robert Snow (Compiler), Matthew Oliver (Cover Art)

Of all the maritime books we’ve posted this diary of Dr Chaloner Clay is one of our favourites. It provides great insight into his journey on the high seas from the UK to Australia.

The diary was in the possession of Dr Chaloner’s great-grandson for many years but has been reproduced here word-for-word from the original handwritten diary.

Relive the journey across the world in 1881, aboard the ‘HESPERUS’ sailing ship, and experience things that we can only dream of today.

FIFTY SHIPS THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY: A NAUTICAL HISTORY OF THE WORLD

By Ian Graham

This wonderful maritime book is a guide to fifty beautiful ships that have had a key role to lay in the history of our world and human civilization.

In addition to factual and interesting information on the different ships, this book also provides photographs, ship plans, quotes and more.

From small watercrafts to gigantic vessels, this book provides a glimpse at how ships have evolved over time to cater to our wants and needs, shaping our cultures, history and civilization along with them.

INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

By Sanyal Sanjeev

A wonderful book for young maritime lovers, the Incredible History of the Indian Ocean gives a wonderful view of how the vast blue waters between African and Australia have connected diverse people and cultures for thousands of years.

Readers will learn about the sailors, travelers, conquerors, and pirates who have sailed across these waters in search of glory and gold.

A delightful maritime book to introduce your children into the wonders of all this maritime.

If you’d like to send us a review on any maritime books you’ve read, feel free to EMAIL US! We’d love to hear from you.

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