Following Britain and the Ocean Road, Ian Friel expertly navigates the
history of Britain and the sea from the Middle Ages to modern times.
With Breaking Seas, Broken Ships, we follow the story of Britain's
maritime history through some of its most dramatic shipwrecks. From the
country's imperial zenith to the very different world of the early
twenty-first century we encounter an extraordinary range of people,
ships and events, including...
The crew and passengers of a state-of-the-art Victorian steamship who
vanished in the Atlantic;
The sailors of a doomed collier brig in the dying days of sail - and the
wives and children they left behind;
A lowly ex-naval stoker who went into showbiz with his version of a
disaster caused by an admiral;
A First World War merchant ship captain who fought a running battle with
German U-Boats;
The courage and compassion shown by British sailors who escaped their
dive-bombed ships;
The people who confronted the 'black tide' left by the oil tanker Torrey
Canyon;
How the container ship has helped to make a new world for us all - for
better or worse.
With people at the heart of every chapter, it explores major
environmental themes alongside the traditional concerns of maritime
history, such as trade, social issues and naval warfare. Their
experiences tell us the story of Britain's maritime past, one that is
remarkable, moving and at times horrifying. Based on brand new
scholarship, it is perfect for history enthusiasts, professional
historians and archaeologists alike.