A World at Sea

This collection of essays explores the significance of maritime history in shaping global transformations, as presented in A World at Sea.

Over the past twenty-five years, maritime history has seen significant growth in scholarship, exploring topics such as piracy, long-distance trade, and diverse seafaring cultures. Despite this progress, editors Lauren Benton and Nathan Perl-Rosenthal argue that maritime history remains somewhat disconnected from the broader narrative of world history. They advocate for a more integrated approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interplay between maritime and terrestrial processes and their collective impact on global transformations.

A World at Sea features nine original essays that delve into the practices and processes bridging the land-sea divide. The first section focuses on the regulatory frameworks governing the seas, shaped by land-based powers and maritime conflicts. The second section examines the documentary practices that facilitated the flow of information regarding sea voyages, highlighting how this influx of knowledge significantly influenced perceptions of the maritime world.

The final section of the book addresses the political symbolism inherent in the land-sea divide, with essays exploring how littoral geographies intersect with sociolegal practices. The contributors demonstrate that maritime history is vital to understanding global change, as the oceans served as arenas for experimentation, innovation, and disruption that resonated across the world. Through A World at Sea, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the maritime world's role in shaping the early modern era and its lasting impact on contemporary global dynamics.