A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks

AN ECONOMIST BEST BOOK OF 2024

'Masterful and entrancing - this is big history at its best.' Professor Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors

'A real-life Indiana Jones takes readers on a dive through these underwater museums, revealing the sunken secrets of the past.' The Times

'Fascinating... wonderful material, well-researched and placed in its wider context.' Spectator

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks by David Gibbins takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, revealing history's most compelling maritime discoveries. Each chapter delves into a specific shipwreck, uncovering the stories behind these underwater time capsules and the crucial moments they encapsulate. From a Bronze Age vessel laden with treasures from the time of Queen Nefertiti to the grandeur of Henry VIII's Mary Rose, Gibbins brings to life the narratives of these lost ships and their sailors.

The book sheds light on a Viking warship constructed for King Cnut, a testament to the seafaring prowess of Norse explorers. Readers will feel the icy grip of the Arctic during the ill-fated expedition of HMS Terror, and share in the endurance and courage aboard HMS Gairsoppa during World War Two. Each shipwreck is more than a mere collection of artefacts; it’s a portal to the past, offering insights into ancient trade routes, colonial expansion, and the spread of cultures and religions.

The author, drawing on his decades of experience as a maritime archaeologist, isn't content to simply catalogue these findings. Instead, he weaves a rich narrative that contextualises these discoveries within broader historical trends, connecting the dots between these underwater relics and the history they represent. In exploring these shipwrecks, Gibbins uncovers stories of migration, colonialism, and the enduring human spirit.

David Gibbins, an accomplished maritime archaeologist, brings a unique perspective to these underwater explorations. His extensive experience excavating shipwrecks around the world lends authenticity and depth to his narratives. Gibbins’ passion for uncovering the past is evident as he reveals the hidden treasures beneath the waves, introducing readers to the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean's surface.

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks is not simply a chronicle of maritime disasters; it’s a testament to human innovation, exploration, and resilience. It invites readers to dive deep into the annals of history, exploring how the legacy of these sunken vessels continues to shape our understanding of the world today.