The Indian Ocean, used and travelled by humans for over 5000 years,
is by far the 'oldest' sea in history. In this stimulating and
authoritative overview, Michael Pearson reverses the traditional angle
of maritime history and looks from the sea to its shores - its impact
on the land through trade, naval power, travel and scientific
exploration. This vast ocean, both connecting and separating nations,
has shaped many countries' cultures and ideologies through the movement
of goods, people, ideas and religions across the sea. The Indian Ocean
moves from a discussion of physical elements, its shape, winds,
currents and boundaries, to a history from pre-Islamic times to the
modern period of European dominance. Going far beyond pure maritime
history, this compelling survey is an invaluable addition to political,
cultural and economic world history.Product Description
Reviews
'This is a fine achievement that by a very wide margin
displaces such general accounts of the Indian Ocean as are available. It
is commedably comprehensive, covering an immensely long span of time,
from the ancient world to the present, with an enviable aura of
authority throughout.' - Peter Marshall, King's College London
'In
this stimulating and comprehensive volume, Michael Pearson traces out
the history of the Indian Ocean from ancient times to the present, and
shows how the ocean has knitted together its diverse communities.
Whether in his evocations of ship board life, or descriptions of
pilgrims and traders, Pearson makes of the Indian Ocean, for the first
time in historical scholarship, a vital and lively arena of study.' - Thomas Metcalf, University of California, Berkeley
'This is a book that maritime archaeologist should find useful.' - Nautical Archaeology
'For the reader new to the subject they will provide stimulating and informative introductions ... [and] will easily win a place on the few reading lists around the world that feature Indian Ocean studies.' - The Round Table
'[Pearson's] impressive tour de force through human history ... covers a remarkably wide range of topics, he also writes very well ... The book will certainly become the standard account for this history of the Indian Ocean for some time.' - Social Anthropology Journal
'Among the literature produced on the Indian Ocean in the previous three decades, Michael Pearson's present work stands apart'. - AEJ
