Red Sky in the Morning

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:58:49 +0200

The Arctic convoys that sailed through the cold malevolent waters of the Barents Sea ran the gauntlet of German air and sea attacks as they struggled to transport vital supplies to Britain’s Russian allies. Convoy JW51B sailed in December 1942 with a small close escort of five destroyers, plus a reserve of two light cruisers, which shadowed the main convoy at a distance of seventy miles. The convoy was attacked on 31 December by a powerful German force that included the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper , the pocket battleship Lützow and six destroyers. The ensuing engagement proved the worth of the British destroyers and the bravery of the men who sailed in them. It was a naval engagement that had far-reaching consequences and resulted in many capital ships of the Kriegsmarine being decommissioned for the rest of World War II. A gripping tale of the war at sea under the direst of conditions. [Best viewed with CoolReader.]

The Indian Ocean

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:27:18 +0200

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The Indian Ocean, used and travelled by humans for over 5000 years, is by far the 'oldest' sea in history. In this stimulating and authoritative overview, Michael Pearson reverses the traditional angle of maritime history and looks from the sea to its shores - its impact on the land through trade, naval power, travel and scientific exploration. This vast ocean, both connecting and separating nations, has shaped many countries' cultures and ideologies through the movement of goods, people, ideas and religions across the sea. The Indian Ocean moves from a discussion of physical elements, its shape, winds, currents and boundaries, to a history from pre-Islamic times to the modern period of European dominance. Going far beyond pure maritime history, this compelling survey is an invaluable addition to political, cultural and economic world history.
Reviews'This is a fine achievement that by a very wide margin displaces such general accounts of the Indian Ocean as are available. It is commedably comprehensive, covering an immensely long span of time, from the ancient world to the present, with an enviable aura of authority throughout.' - Peter Marshall, King's College London

'In this stimulating and comprehensive volume, Michael Pearson traces out the history of the Indian Ocean from ancient times to the present, and shows how the ocean has knitted together its diverse communities. Whether in his evocations of ship board life, or descriptions of pilgrims and traders, Pearson makes of the Indian Ocean, for the first time in historical scholarship, a vital and lively arena of study.' - Thomas Metcalf, University of California, Berkeley 'This is a book that maritime archaeologist should find useful.' - Nautical Archaeology 'For the reader new to the subject they will provide stimulating and informative introductions ... [and] will easily win a place on the few reading lists around the world that feature Indian Ocean studies.' - The Round Table '[Pearson's] impressive tour de force through human history ... covers a remarkably wide range of topics, he also writes very well ... The book will certainly become the standard account for this history of the Indian Ocean for some time.' - Social Anthropology Journal 'Among the literature produced on the Indian Ocean in the previous three decades, Michael Pearson's present work stands apart'. - AEJ

Michael Pearson - Free Library Land Online - Anthologies

Red Sky in the Morning

The Indian Ocean

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