This would be great for people with a more than entry level knowledge of archeology, but it was just too dry and non-narrative to keep my interest. It felt like there were sections that were just lists, and there was little to no unique voice here to create any emotional attachment to the events or wrecks.

This book was so informative and well-researched. David Gibbins brings twelve different periods of time to life and then weaves them all together. I learned quite a bit from this book, even about historical periods that I have already thoroughly researched previously. David Gibbins is such a wonderful writer as well, and each chapter felt more like a story to me than just a description of the people and state of the world during the era of each wreck. Fans of history and wrecks should definitely check out this book, you will not be disappointed.

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks by David Gibbins a fascinating journey through the history of humanity as seen through the lens of twelve shipwrecks. From the Bronze Age to World War Two, Gibbins explores how these wrecks reveal not only the lives and cultures of the people who sailed them, but also the broader historical contexts and transformations that shaped their eras.

There was a lot to like in this book. Gibbins combines his academic expertise with his personal experience as a diver and researcher on many of the wrecks he describes. He vividly recreates the scenes and events that led to the sinking of each ship, as well as the challenges and discoveries of the archaeological investigations that followed. With the 12 chosen wrecks, Gibbins covers a wide range of time periods, regions, and themes. He shows how each wreck represents a pivotal moment or aspect of human history, such as trade, exploration, warfare, religion, art, and technology. He also explains how the wrecks reflect the diversity and complexity of the maritime world, from the Phoenicians and Vikings to the Chinese and Polynesians. Gibbins does not treat the shipwrecks as isolated incidents, but rather as windows into the larger historical forces and dynamics that influenced them. He connects the wrecks to the rise and fall of empires, the spread of ideas and beliefs, the development of science and industry, and the impact of environmental and climatic changes. He also examines how the wrecks affected the course of history and the fate of nations and peoples.

What struck me the most was the fact that shipwrecks are invaluable sources of information and insight that complement and challenge the conventional historical records. Shipwrecks preserve a wealth of material and cultural evidence that is often lost or distorted on land. For example, many of the sites had metal artifacts that were intended for recycling and are never found in ground digs. He also shows how the wrecks offer a unique perspective on the human condition, as they capture the hopes and fears, the triumphs and tragedies, and the joys and sorrows of the people who sailed them.

My only con lies with the editorial execution. While Gibbins shares his experiences and research, a tighter edit would have enhanced the overall coherence. At times, facts and definitions repeat unnecessarily, disrupting the flow. Additionally, the blend of adventure-style writing (akin to in-the-moment journal entries) with historical recounting occasionally feels disjointed. Some chapters felt longer and more detailed than others, and some transitions and connections between the wrecks and the historical contexts could have been smoother and clearer.

I enjoyed the book and learned a lot, even as someone who has studied and taught secondary history for 25 years. It has a unique angle and will be a good addition to the popular history genre. It is a captivating and informative read that will appeal to anyone who is interested in the history of the world and the sea.

This was an ARC review for NetGalley.

For full disclosure, I rarely read nonfiction books for pleasure. However, when I saw what this book was about, I knew it would be different than other things I would normally read nonfiction of. To begin with, the author is a legitimate fiction author, but also an archaeologist, and dove to these wrecks, and had firsthand knowledge of everything in here. That's a great selling point to me. The book read so quickly, and was so interesting and informative because it spanned such a long period of time and encompassed a ton of human history. I would definitely recommend this book if you have any interest in archaeology or history, or just want to have more information regarding a ton of these time periods. I learned SO much in the short amount of time that it took me to finish this book, and I will definitely be getting this for all the history buffs in my life!

This ebook was provided in exchange for an honest review.

A well-researched book on shipwrecks. The parts talking to the shipwrecks were fascinating, especially those that aren’t as well known. History and maritime fans will enjoy this book.

ARC was provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. Expected Pub Date: 2 April 2024
#NetGalley

5 stars! The only thing that made me mad about this book was that the author's descriptions of such cool things made me BEG for pictures! I need illustrations! The techniques for ancient shipmaking, the artifacts that were found...I want to see!

My favorite wrecks ended up being the most ancient ones, which surprised me! I think it speaks to the author's experience and way with words that he was able to bring those periods of history to life. This was a fascinating, adventurous read, and it made me want to visit Cornwall, of all places. I would definitely read this again!

A fascinating book that is packed with details of history and life at the time of each wreck. Very readable, the authors interest and enthusiasm is contagious. I think a pictorial edition of this book would be great also

I must start off by saying that I love historical non-fiction and this was right up my alley. I learned so much more about specific ship wrecks and how they played a part in defining that specific century and the trade and migration that took place during that time. I never would have thought that a ship wreck would tell much more than who and where the crew were headed but this was truly and enjoyable read and a learning adventure as well.

While this book had a wealth of information, and had some of it was fascinating, the dry delivery detracted from my enjoyment of it. It is clear the author put a lot of work into research and is excited about this topic, but the level of detail became a bit much, and I found my eyes glazing over. I wish it had focused a bit more about context and less about the individual details.

This was a very interesting, very informative way of explaining history! I loved the glimpses through time through the shipwrecks and the author does an excellent job doing his research and leaning on his own knowledge as well.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book that looks at how the world changed and advanced by studying the ships that never reached their destinations.

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jaques Yves Cousteau said this quote and it seems apt as so many were introduced to the wonders of the sea by shi specials and shows about the oceans and what lived there. The technology that gave Cousteau access to the ocean depths all helped archaeologists open a new world of exploration. Shipwrecks. These vessels because of the depths and the cold water have been untouched by people, and ignored by time. Only falling apart when brought to the surface. These wrecks show us the world as it was at the time, a world sometimes far different from what we think, a world that had greater trade routes and even better technology. David Gibbins is an underwater archeologist known for his adventure novels. A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks is a look at what wrecks can tell us about the sailors, the merchants and the warriors who lived in these times, what the world was like, and where it was going, just by what is left behind.

The book begins with a bit about the author and how he came to enjoy diving, archeology and writing. Gibbins tells of himself he discusses the changes in diving technology, from old suits with iron heads connected to the surface by hoses and bellows, to aqualungs, and SCUBA. These advances gave archaeologists a freedom to go deeper and stay longer at wrecks and underwater sites. Gibbins discusses a few of his near misses, sharing oxygen while in a underwater tunnel, something that still bothers him when he dives. And also the rush that he gets when he goes to a wreck for the first time, the feeling or what can be found, what new thing will be learned. From here Gibbins introduces us to the shipwrecks, many of which Gibbins has dived on. Gibbins gives a history, when he can about the boat, how it came to its sad fate, their discovery and how what was found fits into the bigger history of what was happening in the world. Trade, war, technology, exploration and more.

David Gibbins is a very good writer and is able to add a lot of novelistic flairs to his nonfiction writing here, which makes for a surprising thrilling read. Gibbins knows both diving, archeology and how to tell a tale that is both interesting and enlightening. Gibbins is able to make things understandable, both about the wrecks and the history, and even more he makes the reader want to know more. Why should a joist matter? Oh I see this explains this and that, and suddenly the reader knows why that joist matters, and why history can be exciting, and more importantly fun. One learns about wood, and why that matters, wine, trade goods, weapons and how it all fits into humanity growth.

Recommended for people who love history. There is a lot here, and a whole slew of subjects are covered and covered well. Also fans of Gibbins fiction and readers of books like the Shadow Divers and Ship of Gold, even The Wager will also get a lot from this.

David Gibbins is a diver and archeologist who has explored many shipwrecks in the waters around Europe. He used his dives to tell stories about historical periods in which the shipwrecks happened. The archeology found on and around the wrecks are a window on the lives of the men on board the ships as well as the trade and commerce between nations and peoples of which the ship was a part. He described the ships from their construction to the remains after their sinking.
The book is an academic treatise and would be valuable to any student of naval archeology. The story of the ocean bed is fascinating and much more waits to be discovered in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good read to learn more about the subject. It is not too heavy and it is easy to understand

The book is well written, and the author certainly knows his subject inside and out. However, it read a bit too much like an academic journal for my taste. I'm a fan of history and am a librarian in a local history department. But this work reads more like a research resource to me. Readers who are into SCUBA diving and fans of older maritime history will definitely be fans; it just wasn't for me.

Is there anything that we are more collectively compelled by than a historic shipwreck? The events of the Titan submersible last summer seem to confirm that way of thinking.

David Gibbins has written an extremely accessible history of famous shipwrecks and how they have changed the course of our world. This book leans much more heavily on the history side of things, it's a history book, not a book about shipwrecks. If you go in with that understanding, and enjoy your history in the interrelated essay variety ( a la The Verge) then this is sure to be a hit for you.

While I found the premise of this book absolutely fascinating, I struggled to remain engaged with each chapter. The book feels well-researched and the idea of exploring world history through shipwrecks was an interesting format, it just didn't end up fully working for me.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

A History of Europe and Britain in Twelve Shipwrecks would probably be a more accurate title for this book, as all of the shipwrecks that are featured are ones that have their origins on that continent, even if not all of them were wrecked there. The book starts with shipwrecks located more in the Mediterranean and in the breadbasket of the Middle East, where civilization advanced most quickly to the point of using ships to move people and cargo, then shifts northward somewhat to the Greeks and Romans, up to the Vikings, with the last four chapters focused on British ships from the time of Henry VIII moving forward. In each chapter, Gibbins looks not only at the discovery and in some cases the recovery of the ships or items from it, but also what the ship itself and its cargo can tell us about the times in which the ship sailed. This is quite possibly the most interesting part of the book, especially the earlier chapters when items like amphora can be used to date the wreck, and also tells a story about wider trade routes than most people assume of the times. While it is increasingly coming to light that Vikings conducted trade with and served for societies in the Middle East, it is wrecks like these that are able to help increasingly validate those connections between distant societies. Each chapter is interesting in its own right, but they can get bogged down with almost too many details for just being a single chapter in a book. They can almost feel too dense with information, be it ship manufacture, archaeological or historical. In truth each one of these wrecks could have a book written as a standalone (some do), that would better allow for breathing room of all the details that Gibbins includes. I enjoyed it, but I wish it had been more reflective of shipwrecks from around the whole world that reflected technology and culture in different areas that received little attention. Also, a personal pet peeve of mine, the bibliography is not included in the book, the reader is directed to the author's website. I don't mind a bibliography also being available on the author's website, but considering how temporary websites can be, I feel that a relatively comprehensive bibliography should always be included within the content of a nonfiction book. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a fun idea!! And what a good way to tell history. The premise was great and the particular shipwrecks were most interesting and informative. It did seem to me that the actual purpose of the book was for the author to tell about himself and to promote himself rather than to be historically informative.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

WOW! That is the word I would use to describe this book. First and foremost, and in complete transparency, my expectations for this book were moderate, at best. The history of the WORLD in 12 shipwrecks. It seemed a tall order. Do I enjoy reading about ships and shipwrecks – definitely. Do I enjoy history, non-fiction, and the world – certainly. Did I expect that those two things would be so well combined in this book – nope. But somehow, David Gibbins managed to condense an incredible amount of knowledge into just 300 pages. Spanning over 4000 years, this book takes us all over the world, telling the story of ships and wrecks, but also providing historical context at a level that would make most history textbooks envious. In fact, the historical context of the time surrounding the wreck consumes 75% of each chapter. Sure, David weaves in personal stories about his dives, but in a subtle way that seems to understate how impressive his experience diving really is. In my 4 years reading and writing books, I haven’t once returned to a book. However, for this book I will. Because I feel like there is SO much information confined to these 300 pages that it cannot all be absorbed within a single first pass. I also want to give kudos to David for writing this book in a way that feels conversational, something most nonfictions books struggle to achieve. Will I talk about this book beyond this and my Goodreads review page – certainly.
Thanks to David Gibbins, Macmillian Publishers and Netgalley for the advanced copy to read and review.