The ship is one of the greatest accomplishments of the human race. Tht we have used it to travel to new and mysterious lands, vanquish our enemies an trade for exotic good in distant ports make its history very rich indeed.
The purpose of this book is to present the informed reader, what has an interest in ships, with a full account of both the technical and cultural development of this most fascinating and influential invention. The author, Richard Woodman, has drawn together the historical strands of each ship-type to produce a thoroughly compelling account culminating in a summary of contemporary developments and speculation about the future.
Whether for good or evil, we have used the ship in our struggle to dominate the world around us, accomplishing spectacular feats of courage and exploration, exploitation and destruction. From the development of the dugout canoe to the very large crude oil carrier, we have created the largest mobile structures on the planet.
The book starts with descriptions of primitive craft, leading to the early trading vessels and warships. From there the transition to the first full-rigged ship, the carrack, is discussed. The introduction of steam is clarified with details on how this gradual process, although finally allowing the steamship to usurp the sailing ship in many of her former roles, allowed sailing vessels to reach their final and prolonged heyday in the colourful tea clipper races. The upheavals of the twentieth century with the arrival of the big-gun battleship, aircraft carrier and the nuclear submarine are given comprehensive coverage.
Throughout the book, the impact of technology on the evolution of the ship is dealt with logically to put developments in their economic and political contexts, and changes in the design of both warships and merchantmen are outlined. Entwined with this history are the stories of the characters who influenced ship design and the men who commanded them.
Whilst dealing with such an enormous topic, the author presents the subject in a very readable manner, he includes a glossary, extensive bibliography and more than 250 colour and black and white photographs to complete the work.
Contents:
Introduction
1. Towards the Middle Sea
2. The Long Ship
3. Medieval Merchantmen
4. Towards the Ocean Sea
5. Princes and Predators
6. An Explosion of Enterprise
7. Exploitation and Exploration
8. Sea Power I
9. Science, Steam and Screw Propulsion
10. The Apogee of Sail
11. The Power-drive Vessel
12. Armour, Turrets and Torpedoes
13. Twilight for the Gods
14. Fear God and Dreadnought
15. The Skies Above: The Seas Below
16. Port Out, Starboard Home
17. Sea Power II
18. Technology, Turbines and Terror
19. Boxes, Bulkers and Babel
20. Whither, Oh Ship?
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
Picture Acknowledgements
