Ship

This engaging, lavishly illustrated history covers all things nautical, from dugout canoes to nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Naval historian Lavery emphasizes the evolution of maritime technology, delving into advances in naval architecture, navigation, rigging and propulsion, and spotlighting such storied specimens as the Greek trireme, the Viking longboat, the Spanish galleon and the World War I Dreadnought. He also explores the economic and world-historical impact of these advances in the fostering of long-distance trade, exploration, European imperial expansion and the growth of port cities. Lavery's lucid exposition is enhanced by a wealth of illustrations, including diagrams, period paintings and color photo spreads of Nelson's HMS Victory and other restored sailing vessels. The result is a superb coffee-table accouterment that is packed with enough information and lore to fascinate hard-core nautical buffs.