Ocean: A History of the Atlantic Before Columbus

Ocean is an ambitious history of the pre-Columbian Atlantic Ocean, a story that begins with the formation of the mid-Atlantic ridge some 200 million years ago and ends with the Castilian conquest of the Canary Islands in the fifteenth century, which provided a template for the methods used by the Spanish in their colonisation of the New World.

John Haywood argues that the perception that Atlantic history begins with the first voyage of the celebrated Genoese navigator is a mistaken one, and that the seafaring and shipbuilding skills that enabled European global exploration and expansion did not arrive fully formed in the fifteenth century, but were learned over centuries and millennia in the Atlantic and its marginal seas. The pre-Columbian history of the Atlantic is the story of how Europeans learned to master the oceans. It is, therefore, key to understanding why it was Europeans, and not any of the world's other seafaring peoples, who 'discovered' the world.

Ocean is informed by the author's extensive travels in and around the Atlantic Ocean, crossing Newfoundland's Grand Banks, the Sea of Darkness and the weed-covered Sargasso Sea to make landfall at locations as diverse as Vinland, Greenland, the Faroes and the Cape Verde Islands. Populated by a heterogeneous and multi-ethnic cast of seafarers, fishermen, monks, merchants and dreamers, this is an in-depth history of a neglected subject, fusing geology, geography, mythology, cosmology, developing maritime technologies and the early history of exploration to narrate an enthralling and intriguing story that lies at the very heart of Europe's modern history and its relationship with the rest of the world. A history on a grand scale, Ocean offers the reader a feast of historical storytelling that will appeal to readers of David Abulafia, Simon Winchester and Michael Pye.

Review

A dazzling narrative full of new archaeological discoveries and packed with profound insights about the shifting tectonic plates of history that have made our world. ― Michael Wood

A superb account of early Atlantic history that richly rewards the reader. ― Jeremy Black, A Brief History of the Atlantic

Ocean is a superb achievement. It is not just a history of the Atlantic: it is also a history of a sizeable part of humanity, and how it was shaped by this most forbidding of the oceans. Almost every page is a revelation. Written with great insight and humanity, John Haywood has created something very special. Anyone interested in the deep past of our relationship with the elements should read this book. ― Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in 12 Maps

A highly readable account of an important and neglected area of history. ― David Abulafia, Spectator

Haywood has created a fascinating narrative, replete with half-forgotten explorers, in which Columbus is not the protagonist but just a footnote. -- Philip Parker ― Literary Review

At almost 500 pages, it's a big book, but those pages feel necessary to contain its scope and ambition, and it's very readable ... I learned something on every page ... A book full of information but also of humility, humanity and wonder. -- Elizabeth Wainwright ― Geographical

Eminently readable. ― David Abulafia, TLS History Books of the Year 2024

Haywood is a gifted storyteller ― History Today

A fascinating dive into a true ocean of history. ― Booklist

An expertly written and accessible survey of the pre-Columbian Atlantic world. Fans of David Abulafia, Mark Kurlansky, Barry Cunliffe, or Simon Winchester will relish this notable book. ― Library Journal

A rich account. Colourfully written with the flair of a seasoned guide, this is an excellent survey of ocean exploration's lesser-known histories. ― Publishers Weekly

Praise for Northmen:
Haywood has made this period of history accessible to all.

― All About History

Haywood's lucid explanations of the cultures of the Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians are vital to understanding the motivations for their movements. ― Kirkus Reviews

Looks at the evolution of civilisations in Scandinavia, with a sprinkling of mythology thrown in for good measure... A full picture of the Viking Age. ― History of War

About the Author

John Haywood was educated at the universities of Lancaster, Cambridge and Copenhagen. He is an expert on the history of Dark Age Europe. His authorial credits include The New Atlas of World History (T&H ) and The Penguin Atlas of the Vikings.