Sean McGrail was in the Royal Navy from 1946 to 1968 and is a Master Mariner. He is also currently visiting Professor in the Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, carries out fieldwork in South Asia for the Society for South Asian Studies (British Academy), and was formerly Professor of Maritime Archaeology, University of Oxford.
There is much to be learnt from this very scholarly book. Especially important is its placement of developments in their proper historical context. The author certainly dispels many myths. Benefiting from an extensive index, clear glossary and enormous bibliography, this all encompassing study is a brilliant place to start for anyone wishing to know more about where we have come from in the world of ships and boats. Fishing Boat World Produced to an exemplary standard in an attractive double-column format, it provides clear and commendably concise summary of this rapidly expanding sub-discipline ... This impressive body of magisterial synthesis should be made available as widely as possible. Mariner's Mirror The book is well produced and the illustrations are both clear and lavish ... the evidence and the discussions are clearly set out, making it an accessible book for the non-specialist and specialist alike to use. Boats of the World will be an invaluable source for the study of ancient watercraft for many years to come. Antiquity ... a remarkable catalogue of waterborne activity by world cultures from prehistory to about 1500 AD (and into more recent times for certain cultures) ... show[s] just how significant maritime archaeology has become as a tool for understanding the human past. Antiquity That Sean McGrail is the most widely versed scholar of small vessels was well known, but after this...we can safely say that he is also one of the most skilful communicators in his field. L'Archeologo Subacqueo A great strength of Boats of the World is the blending of sources - archaeology, history, iconography, ethnography. Times Higher Education Supplement McGrail's knowledge and explanation of hardly known sea and river craft and maritime trivia is particularly original. Even specialists will raise an eyebrow at the cross-cultural maritime traditions of Iron Age Britain. Times Higher Education Supplement ... a highly disciplined book suitable for the informed public and university students alike. Times Higher Education Supplement McGrail is one of maritime archaeology's rarities: a scholar proficient both in translating the meaning behind worked planks and carpentry marks preserved along rotted sections of hulls, and in reconstructuring a ship's history from its shape and provenance to speed and function. This expertise comes from years of archaeological and ethnographic fieldwork. Times Higher Education Supplement 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 Sean 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, Neptunia
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