Presents an illustrated chronicle of the history of ships from ancient times to the global age, with notes on ship construction, life at sea, and the use of ships for exploration, trade, military action, and pleasure travel, and brief profiles of notable seafaring people.

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Maritime Museum. Includes index.

The birth of ships -- Sailors of the seas -- European expansion -- The age of sail -- The age of steam -- The last days of sail -- The world wars -- The global age.