The Sea in World History: Exploration, Travel, and Trade [2 volumes]

This two-volume set documents the essential role of the sea and maritime activity across history, from travel and food production to commerce and conquest.

In all eras, water transport has served as the cheapest and most efficient means of moving cargo and people over any significant distance. Only relatively recently have railroads and aircraft provided an alternative. Most of the world's bulk goods continue to travel primarily by ship over water. Even today, 95 percent of the cargo that en...