This subcategory gathers influential books and journals that illuminate maritime history, trade, and culture across time and geography. From scholarly publications to sweeping global narratives, these works give voice to the sea’s enduring role in shaping our world.
• Peer-reviewed academic journals
• Foundational works in maritime history
• Thematic books on trade, migration, exploration, naval studies
• Literary and cultural works reflecting the sea (optional, future expansion)
The written word captures the depth and vastness of the maritime world. Through books and journals, readers can explore ancient routes, evolving technologies, cultural exchanges, and personal stories. This curated shelf honours those who turned oceans into narratives and knowledge into navigation.
The Sea and Civilization – Lincoln Paine
A maritime history of the world through the flow of people, goods, and ideas
A monumental work that reframes global history through the sea. Paine explores how maritime exchange shaped empires, cultures, economies, and human imagination – from ancient canoe crossings to container shipping.
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World – Peter Frankopan
Interwoven worlds across land and sea
Though focused on trade routes across Eurasia, this book includes the maritime Silk Roads and reflects on how oceans enabled movement, conflict, and cultural diffusion – challenging Western-centered historical narratives.
The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord
A bilingual academic journal of naval and maritime history
Jointly published by the Canadian Nautical Research Society and NASOH, this journal explores North American maritime history – in both English and French – across topics from naval warfare to port studies and seafaring cultures.
Great Circle – Journal of the Australian Association for Maritime History
Perspectives from the southern seas
Published since 1979, this peer-reviewed journal features research on Australian, Pacific, and global maritime history, highlighting stories from port towns, trade systems, naval operations, and coastal communities.
Neptunia – Journal of the Société Française d’Histoire Maritime
The sea through a French lens
Named after Neptune, this elegant French journal reflects France’s maritime heritage, from exploration and colonization to naval power and maritime art. A valuable bilingual resource with over 250 published issues.
Maritime History – Journal of the British Commission for Maritime History
A UK-centered lens on global maritime change
Often published in partnership with maritime museums and academic institutions, this journal supports new voices and classic topics – from shipbuilding to trade, piracy to port transformation.
More titles will be added over time – including essential works like:
• The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II – Fernand Braudel
A foundational masterpiece of maritime and geographical history, showing how the sea shaped time, politics, and power.
• The Outlaw Ocean – Ian Urbina
A gripping journalistic account of lawlessness, survival, and human rights issues on the modern high seas.
This bookshelf will continue to grow, reflecting the depth and diversity of maritime storytelling – across centuries, continents, and disciplines.
1. What kind of maritime stories do you feel most drawn to – exploration, trade, migration, conflict, or personal narratives? Why?
2. How can reading maritime books or journals change our understanding of modern challenges at sea?
