The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean

The Great Sea is a comprehensive and captivating history of the Mediterranean Sea, spanning from prehistory to the 21st century.

This book offers a fresh perspective on the region's rich cultural heritage by focusing on the sea itself and its practical importance for transportation and sustenance.

The author, David Abulafia, provides a dynamic narrative that explores the rise and fall of empires, the cast of characters who have crossed and recrossed the sea, and the remarkable ways in which commercial competition has created both rivalries and partnerships between cultures. Throughout history, the Mediterranean has been a place where civilizations have met, clashed, influenced, and absorbed one another, and The Great Sea does an excellent job of conveying this complexity and diversity.

From the Trojan War to the rise of Islam, from medieval Spain to the Grand Tours of the 19th century, Abulafia's narrative is both sweeping in its scope and inclusive in its coverage. The book also highlights the remarkable ability of Mediterranean cultures to uphold the civilizing ideal of convivencia, or "living together," as exemplified in medieval Spain, where Christian theologians studied Arabic texts with the help of Jewish and Muslim scholars. Overall, The Great Sea is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Mediterranean region and its rich cultural heritage.

With its comprehensive scope, engaging narrative, and focus on the sea itself, this book is sure to captivate readers and provide a new perspective on this fascinating region.