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Breaking Seas, Broken Ships: People, Shipwrecks and Britain, 1854–2007
Following Britain and the Ocean Road, Ian Friel expertly navigates the history of Britain and the sea from the Middle Ages to modern times. With Breaking Seas, Broken Ships, we follow the story of Britain's maritime history through some of its most dramatic shipwrecks. From the country's imperial zenith to the very different world of the early twenty-first century we encounter an extraordinary range of people, ships and events, including...
The crew and passengers of a state-of-the-art Victorian steamship who vanished in the Atlantic;
The sailors of a doomed collier brig in the dying days of sail - and the wives and children they left behind;
A lowly ex-naval stoker who went into showbiz with his version of a disaster caused by an admiral;
A First World War merchant ship captain who fought a running battle with German U-Boats;
The courage and compassion shown by British sailors who escaped their dive-bombed ships;
The people who confronted the 'black tide' left by the oil tanker Torrey Canyon;
How the container ship has helped to make a new world for us all - for better or worse.
With people at the heart of every chapter, it explores major environmental themes alongside the traditional concerns of maritime history, such as trade, social issues and naval warfare. Their experiences tell us the story of Britain's maritime past, one that is remarkable, moving and at times horrifying. Based on brand new scholarship, it is perfect for history enthusiasts, professional historians and archaeologists alike.
The crew and passengers of a state-of-the-art Victorian steamship who vanished in the Atlantic;
The sailors of a doomed collier brig in the dying days of sail - and the wives and children they left behind;
A lowly ex-naval stoker who went into showbiz with his version of a disaster caused by an admiral;
A First World War merchant ship captain who fought a running battle with German U-Boats;
The courage and compassion shown by British sailors who escaped their dive-bombed ships;
The people who confronted the 'black tide' left by the oil tanker Torrey Canyon;
How the container ship has helped to make a new world for us all - for better or worse.
With people at the heart of every chapter, it explores major environmental themes alongside the traditional concerns of maritime history, such as trade, social issues and naval warfare. Their experiences tell us the story of Britain's maritime past, one that is remarkable, moving and at times horrifying. Based on brand new scholarship, it is perfect for history enthusiasts, professional historians and archaeologists alike.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published May 11, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 8, 2021
My thanks to Ian Friel, Pen and Sword, and Netgalley. It pains me to say this, but I was not glued to the pages. I had a difficult time getting into this book. I enjoyed the first 2 chapters. Then I was done. I'll be honest and just say that it was probably the ship's that bored me. I love the older ships. But, it's also the authors responsibility to help me see beyond that. I didn't. I'd probably enjoy his first book more!
June 26, 2021
A fascinating reflection on Britain's maritime history including trade, warfare, social and environmental issues from the middle ages through to modern times. This book covers a range of ships, people and disasters/ wrecks. It really was quite moving at times but then harrowing too and at many points I paused to think it over.
Such a interesting read for anyone who has a interest in this genre.
My thanks go to the publishers, author and Netgalley for providing an arc in return for a honest review.
Such a interesting read for anyone who has a interest in this genre.
My thanks go to the publishers, author and Netgalley for providing an arc in return for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews