Overview

This second volume of articles by G.V. Scammell offers insights into the history of British and European shipping in the centuries of Europe's penetration into the oceans of the world, from the 15th to the 18th century. It examines the building, ownership and operation of merchantmen in the context of economic and social developments of the period, combining this with the investigation of the vital, but still comparatively neglected, subjects of the lives, working conditions, beliefs, skills and behaviour of seamen. This is the basis for discussion of the means and methods by which British shipping and merchants established themselves in oceanic trades, including those of other powers, considered in relation to the growth of British maritime and commercial supremacy. The final studies then examine the causes and consequences of European and British seaborne expansion, particularly in Asia.

Full Product Details

9780860788973

Table of Contents

Reviews

'This collection of essays offers both a crash course in the development of merchant shipping and its importance to the empires of European states, and also a salutary account of the dangers to life, capital and material in the exploitation of overseas markets.' The Northern Mariner 'Anyone familiar with a Variorum series knows that they are invaluable compilations of previously published articles, often spanning decades, and thereby conveying developments in a field... [Scammell] continues to chart new areas of maritime research, as well as occasionally revisiting old haunts. One is well served by using this volume as both a series of historical voyages and an ongoing apprenticeship in maritime history, all under the guidance of a capable master.' International Journal of Maritime History 'Students of naval history, the explorations, international trading, and imperialism of the early modern age will welcome the ready access to Scammell's writings that this volume provides.' Sixteenth Century Journal 'An important collection which makes a major contribution to maritime studies, and to the literature on Western expansion.' English Historical Review

'This collection of essays offers both a crash course in the development of merchant shipping and its importance to the empires of European states, and also a salutary account of the dangers to life, capital and material in the exploitation of overseas markets.' The Northern Mariner 'Anyone familiar with a Variorum series knows that they are invaluable compilations of previously published articles, often spanning decades, and thereby conveying developments in a field... [Scammell] continues to chart new areas of maritime research, as well as occasionally revisiting old haunts. One is well served by using this volume as both a series of historical voyages and an ongoing apprenticeship in maritime history, all under the guidance of a capable master.' International Journal of Maritime History 'Students of naval history, the explorations, international trading, and imperialism of the early modern age will welcome the ready access to Scammell's writings that this volume provides.' Sixteenth Century Journal 'An important collection which makes a major contribution to maritime studies, and to the literature on Western expansion.' English Historical Review

Author Information

G.V. Scammell, University of Cambridge, UK

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available