Oceanic Histories

Freshly presents world history through its oceans and seas in uniquely wide-ranging, original chapters by leading experts in their fields.

David Armitage (Edited by), Alison Bashford (Edited by), Sujit Sivasundaram (Edited by)

9781108434829, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 7 December 2017

338 pages, 11 maps
22.7 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.56 kg

'Altogether, this collection certainly achieves to survey and critically evaluate the impressive range of oceanic historiography-its diverse history, approaches, and critical vocabulary, and its promise for a less anthropocentric practice of history as a much needed corrective that helps the field of history to contribute to a heightened consciousness regarding the consequences of both human and nonhuman, oceanic agencies for the history of our planet.' Alexandra Ganser, American Historical Review

Oceanic Histories is the first comprehensive account of world history focused not on the land but viewed through the 70% of the Earth's surface covered by water. Leading historians trace the history of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans and seas, from the Arctic and the Baltic to the South China Sea and the Sea of Japan/Korea's East Sea, over the longue durée. Individual chapters trace the histories and the historiographies of the various oceanic regions, with special attention given to the histories of circulation and particularity, the links between human and non-human history and the connections and comparisons between parts of the World Ocean. Showcasing oceanic history as a field with a long past and a vibrant future, these authoritative surveys, original arguments and guides to research make this volume an indispensable resource for students and scholars alike.

List of maps
Abbreviations
Notes on contributors
Introduction: writing world oceanic histories Sujit Sivasundaram, Alison Bashford and David Armitage
Part I. Oceans: 1. The Indian Ocean Sujit Sivasundaram
2. The Pacific Ocean Alison Bashford
3. The Atlantic Ocean David Armitage
Part II. Seas: 4. The South China Sea Eric Tagliacozzo
5. The Mediterranean Sea Molly Greene
6. The Red Sea Jonathan Miran
7. The Sea of Japan/Korea's East Sea Alexis Dudden
8. The Baltic Sea Michael North
9. The Black Sea Stella Ghervas
Part III. Poles: 10. The Arctic Ocean Sverker Sörlin
11. The Southern Ocean Alessandro Antonello
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]