This is a captivating read spanning 5 000 years of the oceans history. Conquest of the Ocean" tells the 5 000 year history of the remarkable individuals who sailed seas for trade to conquer new lands to explore the unknown. From the early Polynesians to the first circumnavigations by the Portuguese & the British these are awe-inspiring tales of epic sea voyages involving great feats of seamanship navigation endurance & ingenuity. You can explore the lives & maritime adventures many with first person narratives of land seekers & globe charters such as Christopher Columbus Captain James Cook & Vitus Bering. Brian Lavery is a well-known British naval historian whose prestigious credits include historical consultant on the blockbuster " Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World". This narrative history is filled with paintings logbooks maps sketches & diagrams that bring these events & locations to life. " Conquest of the Ocean" beautifully intertwines informative images with fascinating stories of expedition & exploration in a way that has never been done before. Brian Lavery will have you engrossed in this extraordinary historic naval read."