Arab Seafaring

George F. Hourani

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Author
George F. Hourani
Publish Date
1995-07-23
Edition
Revised
Subtitle
In the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Medieval Times - Expanded Edition
Book Type
Paperback
Number of Pages
189
Publisher Name
Princeton University Press
ISBN-10
0691000328
ISBN-13
9780691000329
citemno
038887
SKU
9780691000329

Description

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 The book comprises a brief but masterly historical account that has never been superseded.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.