Ocean: A History of the Atlantic Before Columbus

by John Haywood Narrated by Ben Eagle

Overview

A dazzling and ambitious history of the pre-Columbian Atlantic seas, Ocean is a story that begins with the formation of the mid-Atlantic ridge some 200 million years ago and ends with the Castilian conquest of the Canary Islands in the fifteenth century, providing a template for the methods used by the Spanish in their colonization of the New World.



John Haywood argues that the perception of Atlantic history beginning with the first voyage of the celebrated navigator Christopher Columbus is a mistaken one, and that the seafaring and shipbuilding skills that enabled European global exploration and expansion did not arrive fully formed in the fifteenth century, but instead were learned over centuries and millennia in the Atlantic and its peripheral seas. The pre-Columbian history of the Atlantic is the story of how Europeans learned to master the oceans. This story is key to understanding why it was Europeans, and not any of the world's other seafaring peoples, who "discovered" the world.



Informed by the author's travels around the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean is an in-depth history of a neglected subject, fusing geology, geography, mythology, developing maritime technologies, and the early history of exploration to narrate an enthralling story-one which lies at the very heart of Europe's modern history and its relationship with the world.

Editorial Reviews

The Oxford Times

"This is a creative atlas, supported by Haygood's deep insight over a six-million-year cast of time that brings into focus the world's cultures and religious faiths, inventions and discoveries. Of especial interest are the colour-coded maps, which are particularly useful in enhancing the study of wars and empires."

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

"The graphical format of this history of mankind allows one to view happenings in one part of the world and then see other events at the same time in different areas of the world. Unique and refreshing. Illustrations and maps peppered throughout make accessing the information enticing and easy."

Peter H. Wilson

"This comprehensive and innovative atlas covers the entire span of human history, paying particular attention to population expansion, cross-cultural contact, and growing economic and social complexity. Its lively text and accessible format show how people have interacted with their environment to create the world we know today."

Choice

"Haywood offers 35 full-color maps on the history of humankind, ranging from 6 million years ago to 2010 CE. Each map presents the world at a specific year in history, showing trade and migration routes, boundaries between nations, and peoples."

Michael Prestwich

An outstanding volume which succeeds admirably. This is true world history. The range of this book is remarkable. It illustrates the history of societies from Asia to America and from Africa to Europe with skill and erudition, covering the unexpected as well as providing new insight into more familiar areas."

Foreword Reviews

"Finely researched and artfully produced. Haywood seamlessly combines history and geography to show not only population expansion but also cross-cultural contact and the growth of economic and social complexity. Libraries, schools, and everyone interested in the past will want this book for their shelves."

Brian Fagan

"Haywood presents a unique, global portrait of human history over six million years. A combination of brilliant design, clear narrative, and fascinating insights creates a compelling and evenhanded tapestry of the human experience. Everyone interested in our past will find this a compelling atlas for their bookshelves."

Booklist

"Haywood’s Ocean sets itself a daunting task—to convey the history, geology, and legends surrounding the Atlantic and eventual European progress across it. And the hefty work delves in with relish on topics ranging from which early humans ate the first oysters to tales of the souls inhabiting the Fortunate Isles to the west. The author’s academic background in medieval history and early European maritime ventures especially shines in the sections outlining the treks across the North Atlantic by early Scandinavians. A fascinating dive into a true ocean of history."

John Julius Norwich

"An astonishing concept, brilliantly carried through, history and geography seamlessly combined."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191065939
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	12/03/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

Oceanic history;Atlantic Ocean;pre-Columbian;Atlantic seas;history;mid-Atlantic ridge;Castilian;Canary Islands;fifteenth century;Spain;colonization;New World;Atlantic history;Christopher Columbus;seafaring;shipbuilding;European history;global exploration;global expansion;Newfoundland;Grand Banks;Sea of Darkness;Sargasso Sea;Vinland;Greenland;Faroes;Cape Verde;technology;developing technology;cultural history;age of European discovery;maritime history;slavery;European imperialism;