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The Great Sea

A Human History of the Mediterranean

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The Great Sea

Written by: David Abulafia
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

For over 3,000 years, the Mediterranean Sea has been one of the great centres of civilisation. David Abulafia's The Great Sea is the first complete history of the Mediterranean, from the erection of temples on Malta around 3500 BC to modern tourism. Ranging across time and the whole extraordinary space of the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to Jaffa, Genoa to Tunis, and bringing to life pilgrims, pirates, sultans and naval commanders, this is the story of the sea that has shaped much of world history.

©2019 David Abulafia (P)2019 Penguin Audio Africa Europe Middle East Middle Ages Imperialism Ancient History Pirate Crusade
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Unfortunately the incredible Pro England bias of the author spoiled much of my enjoyment. Everything is viewed though the eye of a very old white male Church of England perspective. Needless to say his view of Ottoman and North African Culture is quite insulting. He also cannot resist a few swipes at the USA. He is a big fan of Ancient Greece but not Greeks. The Jewish history is covered in great detail and with respect.
If you have an interest in the economic history of the Mediterranean I would read the book with the above bias acknowledged before you start
reading. Perhaps then, his annoying prejudices could be humored or almost found amusing. In much the same way one tolerates a senile old uncle.

A British History of The Mediterranean

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