The Age of the Galley: Mediterranean Oared Vessels Since Pre-Classical Times

Conway's History of the Ship #2

by Robert Gardiner (Editor), J.S. Morrison (Editor)

‘The work that gave me most pleasure last year was undoubtedly the on-going Conway’s History of the Ship … intoxicating’ Jan Morris in The Independent The Age of the Galley charts the development from the earliest paleolithic craft to the classical tireme and its Roman and Byzantine successors. As a warship, the galley survived the coming of the three masted sailing ship, and later chapters are devoted to its mediaeval and Renaissance successors. An unprecedented line-up of over one hundred leading maritime historians and specialists from around the world has been assembled to ensure that the work is informative, authoritative and fully international in it outlook. Essays are also included on related but more general aspects and themes of the period under review such as material resources, battle tactics, shipbuilding, gunnery, exploration or technology.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Joe White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb historical look at rowed ancient ships up to the age of sail. It is full of photos, diagrams, and technical illustrations. It provides a detail narrative of the Olympias trireme. In only 240 pages it contains very concise restatements of research literature with full footnote references and related photos of items depicting the basis of research. It focuses on the logistics, practicality, and technical considerations of manning and operating a navy based on human power.
This is a reference book and is kept at hand for sectional reading and review.

[Kenneth Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read if you are interesting in galleys. This book is a collection of largely scholarly articles about galleys over their three or four thousand domination of the seas. Some articles can get pretty technical. If you're into the intricacies of galleys this is your book. However, because it is a collection of articles, it isn't entirely comprehensive.

[S. D. Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed and solid reference. I'd recommend the series for anyone with an interest in naval development.

[KeeOfTheArchives · Rating 4 out of 5]

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