A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks

February 12, 2024
Maritime archaeologist and novelist Gibbins (Atlantis) delivers an entertaining and knowledgeable survey of world history with a seafaring spin. Profiling 12 sunken vessels, dating from the second millennium BCE to WWII, each of which preserves a specific slice of time—a degree of precision that he explains is not typical of most archaeological sites—Gibbins uses each wreck as a window onto that ship’s wider historical context. The earliest shipwrecks shed light on ancient networking. For example, two swords recovered from Britain’s Bronze Age Dover boat reveal the extent of the era’s metal trade. The Plemmirio shipwreck off Sicily, dating to the height of the Roman Empire in the second century CE, provides insight on the personal lives of its sailors, which included a specialist surgeon who left behind several scalpel handles. Other chapters discuss how the Belitung Island wreck—a trading vessel of Arab origin found off the coast of Indonesia—exemplifies the spread of new inventions from China to the West in the 800s CE; and dig into Henry VIII’s flagship the Mary Rose, an artifact-rich (nearly 200,000 well-preserved items have been recovered) slice of life from the Tudor period. A well-informed and dynamic narrator, Gibbins glides breezily between stories of his scuba dives and quotes from medieval Chinese poetry. History buffs will find this smooth sailing.

August 1, 2024

Maritime archaeologist and novelist Gibbins (author of the Jack Howard and "Total War" series) offers an intriguing historical account filtered through the lens of 12 notable shipwrecks. Gibbins, who is a skilled diver himself, describes the challenges inherent in exploring these underwater sites. Before the invention of scuba equipment, it was often impossible to reach a shipwreck, much less excavate it. Even with the right gear, few archaeologists are trained to dive as well as excavate. Gibbins catalogues the finds from each ship, discussing how these objects speak to changes in technology, religion, medicine, literacy, and art, from the Bronze Age to the present. For example, he identifies medical instruments on one wreck and quotes from a contemporaneous publication that describes the groundbreaking procedures in which these instruments were used. Gibbins provides a fascinating look at how underwater archaeology and history can work together to create a picture of human history and its progress over time. Unfortunately, Kent Klineman's narration leaves something to be desired. Jerky phrasing and pauses over the place names and phrases make this an uncomfortable listening experience. VERDICT While the book's content is fascinating, the narration does not do it justice. Listeners might seek out the print version instead.--Joanna M. Burkhardt

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