Ocean

A dazzling narrative full of new archaeological discoveries and packed with profound insights about the shifting tectonic plates of history that have made our world. * Michael Wood *A superb account of early Atlantic history that richly rewards the reader. * Jeremy Black, A Brief History of the Atlantic *Ocean is a superb achievement. It is not just a history of the Atlantic: it is also a history of a sizeable part of humanity, and how it was shaped by this most forbidding of the oceans. Almost every page is a revelation. Written with great insight and humanity, John Haywood has created something very special. Anyone interested in the deep past of our relationship with the elements should read this book. * Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in 12 Maps *A highly readable account of an important and neglected area of history. * David Abulafia, Spectator *Haywood has created a fascinating narrative, replete with half-forgotten explorers, in which Columbus is not the protagonist but just a footnote. – Philip Parker * Literary Review *At almost 500 pages, it’s a big book, but those pages feel necessary to contain its scope and ambition, and it’s very readable … I learned something on every page … A book full of information but also of humility, humanity and wonder. – Elizabeth Wainwright * Geographical *Eminently readable. * David Abulafia, TLS History Books of the Year 2024 *Haywood is a gifted storyteller * History Today *A fascinating dive into a true ocean of history. * Booklist *An expertly written and accessible survey of the pre-Columbian Atlantic world. Fans of David Abulafia, Mark Kurlansky, Barry Cunliffe, or Simon Winchester will relish this notable book. * Library Journal *A rich account. Colourfully written with the flair of a seasoned guide, this is an excellent survey of ocean exploration’s lesser-known histories. * Publishers Weekly *

John Haywood was educated at the universities of Lancaster, Cambridge and Copenhagen. He is an expert on the history of Dark Age Europe. His authorial credits include The New Atlas of World History, The Penguin Atlas of the Vikings and Northmen: The Viking Saga 793–1241.