Arab Seafaring:In the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Medieval TimesPrinceton University Press
George Hourani
ISBN: 0691000328
price: $17.95 paperback
In this classic work George Hourani deals with the history of
the sea trade of the Arabs in the Indian Ocean from its obscure
origins many centuries before Christ to the time of its full
extension to China and East Africa in the ninth and tenth
centuries. The book comprises a brief but masterly historical
account that has never been superseded. The author gives
attention not only to geography, meteorology, and the details of
travel, but also to the ships themselves, including a discussion
of the origin of stitched planking and of the lateen fore-and-aft
sails. Piracy in the Indian Ocean, day-to-day life at sea, the
establishment of ancient lighthouses and the production of early
maritime guides, handbooks, and port directories are all
described in fascinating detail. Arab Seafaring will appeal to
anyone interested in Arab life or the history of navigation. For
this expanded edition, John Carswell has added a new
introduction, a bibliography, and notes that add material from
recent archaeological research.
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