Ship: The Epic Story Of Maritime Adventure

by Brian Lavery

This profusely illustrated book covers boats from the earliest Pre-historical times until the present. It includes everything from birch bark canoes to the latest commercial and military vessels, junks to dhows, clipper ships to cruise liners and boats built especially for the Americas cup. More than a coffee table book, the descriptions that go with the photographs enhance and explain the photographs.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Nautical, Travel, Science, Naval History

400 pages, Unknown Binding

First published September 16, 2004

About the author

Brian Lavery is a British naval historian, author, and Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful “coffee-table” book loaned (way-long-term) by my friend and fellow shipmodeler Vince Murphy. This chronicles the history of ship building from prehistoric times to today’s modern Navy (as of 2008), in both words and pictures (many of both). The going is quite slow, as there are many captioned pictures, as well as two-page spreads with detailed photos of such ships as the “Vasa,’ a flagship built in 1628 for the King of Sweden; ornate, fully outfitted, but top-heavy, such that on its maiden voyage it toppled over and sunk in the bay, with a loss of 30 lives. It was well preserved in the mud of the bay, such that when it was raised in 1961 the hull was quite intact and has provided researchers with many insights into the nature of sailing ships of the era, not to mention into the ego of the King. The “Vasa” is on display in a museum of the same name in Sweden. Gonna go there someday. Other ships so presented are Admiral Nelson’s “Victory;” the whaler “Charles W. Morgan;” and the modern aircraft carrier the “George Washington” (actually, a four-page spread).

But those are the highlights; there are many, many more photos of actual ships, or models thereof, of virtually every category os watercraft, such as the large ocean liners, ancient triremes and other riverboats; Mediterranean trade ships, Viking ships, WWI and WWII battle craft of all types; recreational craft; and both large and small sailing ships from every period of history.

Additionally, there are pictures/photos of numerous people associated with sailing, such as ship magnates, Admirals, ship and armament designers (as well as propulsion designers), heroes and ordinary seamen who made a difference. Descriptions of key battles are also presented throughout.

I learned a great deal from this book, as well as being very entertained over a period of almost three years; guess I oughtta get it back to Vince before he thinks I lost it. Five enthusiastic stars, recommended for everybody.

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical coffee table book as mentioned by others, but in contrast to some it is very comprehensive.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous pictures and informative.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 4 out of 5]

375 - 2018

[Dave Thompsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating encyclopedic snippets of maritime lore in easily digested pieces with top-notch pictures and diagrams.

[Greg Hadaller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical coffee table book -- somewhat interesting, but too long and not that well written.

[Melissa Hope]

Not a cover-to-cover book. Definitely informative and interesting. I enjoyed the pictures of the different ships and their interiors, particularly the ship Susan Constant.

[spike marlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview. Lots of detail.

[Victoria Bryjak]

its very helpful! But I wish it had more about pirate ships!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting book for anyone looking for the history of ships