History of Merchant Shipping and Ancient Commerce

Originally published in 1874–6, this illustrated four-volume work offers a full and authoritative history of maritime trade.

W. S. Lindsay (Author)

9781108057653, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 February 2013

692 pages, 70 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3.9 cm, 0.87 kg

The shipowner and politician William Schaw Lindsay (1816–77) combined a wealth of personal experience with a meticulous approach to research. Originally published in 1874–6, this is his authoritative four-volume history of the world of ships and maritime trade. Its coverage ranges from the legend of Noah's Ark, through ancient commerce and the colonising expeditions of the middle ages, to the progress brought about by the introduction of steam to the shipping of Lindsay's own day. Details on construction and performance sit alongside explanations of the customs and superstitions of seamen, complemented by full accounts of many important nautical events. Volume 4 describes the changes produced by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and charts the rise of steam propulsion and its implications for modern-day commerce. Lindsay's practical knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject are evident throughout the work.

1. Earliest modes of propulsion
2. Progress of steam navigation in Europe
3. Steam-ships of the United States
4. Struggle between Great Britain and United States for the Atlantic carrying trade
5. Dangers of Atlantic navigation
6. Liverpool, New York, and Philadelphia Steamship Company
7. Royal West India Mail Steam Packet Company, 1841
8. Pacific Steam Navigation Company
9. Steam to India and overland routes
10. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company
11. Changes produced by the opening of the Suez Canal
12. First application of steam-vessels on the rivers and coasts of India, 1825
13. Eastern Steam Navigation Company
14. Commencement of launch of the Great Eastern, November 3rd, 1857
15. River and coast trade of Great Britain
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]