Stories of disasters at sea; whether about Roman triremes; the treasure fleet of the Spanish Main; or great transatlantic ocean liners; fire the imagination as little else can. From the historical sinkings of the Titanic and the Lusitania to the recent capsizing of a Mediterranean cruise ship; the study of shipwrecks also makes for a new and very different understanding of world history. A History of the World in Sixteen Shipwrecks explores the age-old; immensely hazardous; persistently romantic; and ongoing process of moving people and goods across the seven seas.In recounting the stories of ships and the people who made and sailed them; from the earliest craft plying the ancient Nile to the Exxon Valdez; Stewart Gordon argues that the gradual integration of mainly local and separate maritime domains into fewer; larger; and more interdependent regions offers a unique perspective on world history. Gordon draws a number of provocative conclusions from his study; among them that the European “Age of Exploration†as a singular event is simply a myth: over the millennia; many cultures; east and west; have explored far-flung maritime worlds; and technologies of shipbuilding and navigation have been among the main drivers of science and exploration throughout history. In a series of compelling narratives; A History of the World in Sixteen Shipwrecks shows that the development of institutions and technologies that made the terrifying oceans familiar and turned unknown seas into well-traveled sea-lanes matters profoundly in our modern world.
#976195 in Books 2011-02-11 2011-02-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x 1.00 x 5.90l; 1.19 #File Name: 1611210720312 pages
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Covers A Mostly Forgotten Aspect Of The Gettysburg Campaign; But..By D. HennettMingus' work fills a long standing gap in the history of the Gettysburg campaign. It is a fascinating story (and all the details are here!); and should have garnered coverage long before now. The book covers the movements of Jubal Early's Confederate division; in particular John B. Gordon's Brigade; as they move across south central Pennsylvania in June 1863 to ultimately reach the farthest penetration into Pennsylvania at the Susquehanna River. It's also the story of the confused; sometimes inept; but brave efforts of scattered militia forces and ordinary citizens to try and slow down the veteran Confederates. Ultimate success was achieved when Gordon was thwarted at Wrightsville by the destruction of the vital bridge there; eliminating any chances of capturing Harrisburg. The book features a great epilogue and a real plus is the section on driving directions to all the key locations.I give the author high credit for an outstandingly researched and well written work. However; I had a few disappointments. A key aspect of this story were the individual experiences and reactions of miltiamen and citizens as the war was suddenly thrust upon them. While key; the author seemed intent on relating every single instance of a horse being confiscated; Confederate soldiers asking or taking food from farmers; fence rails being destroyed; etc. This is very repetitive and greatly bogs down an otherwise great narrative. A few examples sprinkled throughout at key times would have been adequate to give the reader the appropriate flavor. Largely missing from the work was the placement of Early's and Gordon's movements in the context of the overall movements of the rest of Lee's army; how they fit into his overall strategy and aims; and how those aims may have shifted in response to circumstance. At times; it seems as if Gordon is invading Pennsylvania on his own. Likewise on the Union side; it would have been nice to have more on how the frantic militia efforts fit in with the overall Union reaction to the invasion (what's going on with the Army of the Potomac is largely missing). More overall context would have made this a stronger work.Overall; there are more positives here; and the book is well worth the read to learn about this fascinating story.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Mr. Mingus Nails ItBy Jeremy ScottI'm a huge American Civil War history buff and know Mr. Mingus through facebook. He book touches on a part of the campaign that not many people really know about. How did the Confederates get to Gettysburg? This book will explain the events leading up to July 1st; 1863. I highly suggest taking a look at this book6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Getting ThereBy William H. PerryFor all that has been written on the Battle of Gettysburg; there were two aspects that have gotten short shrift; what happened just before the battle and what happened just after the battle. Eric Wittenburg; et al.; in "one Continuous Fight;" recently addressed the "after" part with a thoroughness (and readability) that should satisfy all but the most obdurate nit pickers. Scott Mingus has now provided a good start on addressing the "before" part. The focus of "Flames Beyond Gettysburg" is generally on the doings of Gen John Gorden and Col. Lige White; but there is also a good deal of insight into the reaction of Pennsylvania citizens to Lee's invasion. Mingus is worth reading if for no other reason than to understand why Henry Heth opened the Battle of Gettysburg against Lee's order; thinking he was only facing militia. If I had a suggestion; it would be that Scott Mingus build on what he has already begun; and address the "before" Gettysburg history with the thoroughness that Wittenburg addressed the "after" Gettysburg part. (Wittenburg's "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" does a first-rate job of addressing what JEB Stuart was doing during the battle.)If the Battle of Gettysburg is considered a jewel of the Civil War; like all jewels; it needs a good setting to be properly appreciated. That settin is finally getting built.Lexman
