Visiting Professor in the Department of Archaeology Sean McGrail

Sean McGrail

The Archaeology of Water Transport to AD 1500

Ancient Boats in N.W. Europe

Paul Johnstone

The nautical dimension of prehistory has not so far received the attention it deserves. It is also too often assumed that early man was land bound, yet this is demonstrably not the case. Recent research has shown that man travelled and tracked over greater distances and at a much earlier date than has previously been thought possible. Some of these facts can be explained only by man's mastery of water transport from earliest times. This book, by an acknowledged expert on prehistoric sea-craft, examines these problems looking at the new archaeological information in the light of the author's nautical knowledge. The result is a detailed account of man's use of inland and ocean-going craft from earliest times until the dawn of recorded history. All forms of evidence are critically assessed, from the vessels of Ancient Egypt to the Chinese junk, to present of comprehensive picture of the vessels men have built through the ages, and of the variety of ways in which they have been used.

The Sea-craft of Prehistory

'For those who wish to explore further, this book will enable them; for the general reader it stands alone as a beacon for its subject.' -Maritime Life and Traditions'As a general introduction to early watercraft the book is a pioneer effort, and it has much information to offer. McGrail has assembled a hugh amount of material which is handled in a clear and systematic way.' -International Journal of Nautical Archaeology'The book is a valuable reference work, and a good introduction to the subject.' -International Journal of Nautical Archaeology'The great value of this book lies in the consistent and high-quality descriptions of the rafts, boats and ships themselves, and for those who have an interest in any aspects of prehistoric or early historic water transport, Boats of the World provides an excellent source of information.' -Robert Van De Noort'Boats of the World is a true tour de force by Professor Sean McGrail, a world authority in the field of maritime archaeology.' -Robert Van De Noort, Antiquaries Journal'Seán McGrail is Britain's leading authority on maritime archaeology... Here he provides a substantial base for the integration of the maritime subdivision of archaeology into its proper place as part of the mainstream of the discipline.' -Basil Greenhill, Times Literary Supplement'This is a joyous source book for anyone who appreciates academic clarity.' -Colin Mudie, Journal of Navigation'A large work of distinguished scholarship by a senior maritime archaeologist.' -Colin Mudie, Journal of Navigation'Classic and magnificent work.' -Colin Mudie, Journal of Navigation'In short, Professor McGrail offers us an extraordinary encyclopaedia of nautical archaeology based on extensive documentation.' -Eric Rieth, Neputnia'A superb, long-awaited book, of unique methodological richness, incorporating the latest research, taking account of all the 'nautical civilisations' of Egypt, Arabia, the Mediterranean, Atlantic Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, China, America.' -Eric Rieth, NeptuniaThis is the first comprehensive study of the archaeology of rafts, boats, and ships from the Stone Age to Medieval times. All the regions of the world are covered, from Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the China Sea, and the Pacific.

Sean McGrail

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