Indian Ocean (Seas in History) - Softcover

Pearson, Michael N.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415445388 ISBN 13: 9780415445382

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

M.N. Pearson is Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia. His previous publications include Port Cities and Intruders: the Swahili Coast, India, and Portugal in the Early Modern Era (1998) and Pious Passengers: theHajjin earlier times (1994).

Review:

'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

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0415445388
• ISBN 13: 9780415445382
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352