The Boundless Sea

In The Boundless Sea, David Abulafia presents a sweeping history of the world's three great oceans: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Indian. This monumental work delves into the profound relationship between humanity and the seas from the earliest voyagers to modern times. Abulafia masterfully weaves together stories of merchants, explorers, pirates, cartographers, and travellers, creating a rich tapestry that spans centuries and continents. For much of human history, the vast oceans were the primary channels for long-distance trade and communication. In this book, Abulafia explores the myriad ways in which people have navigated and interacted with these vast bodies of water. He traces the history of human movement and interaction around and across the oceans, from the time of the first voyagers seeking new lands and riches to contemporary concerns about the future of our seas. With a keen eye for detail, Abulafia charts the quests for spices, gold, ivory, slaves, and lands for settlement. He introduces readers to the fearless adventurers who braved uncharted waters, the traders who established global networks, and the mapmakers who transformed our understanding of the world. The narrative vividly brings to life port cities, bustling harbours, and the complex web of maritime routes that connected distant cultures and civilisations. Today, as plastic refuse pollutes vast swathes of our oceans and traditional trading ports are replaced by mechanised container hubs, Abulafia raises pressing questions about the future of our relationship with the sea. The Boundless Sea is not only a testament to the human spirit of exploration and discovery but also a poignant reflection on the environmental challenges that lie ahead. Drawing on a wealth of historical sources and maritime lore, Abulafia offers readers an extraordinary journey through time and space. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the ocean's role in shaping human history and the ongoing impact of our actions on the world's seas.