Notes

Philip J. Hatfield
223 pages
illustrations (chiefly colour), maps
Contents: An ocean of peoples -- Empire of islands -- Islands in a globalized world
Summary: The Pacific Ocean covers very nearly a third of the surface of the globe and is inhabited by a diverse array of peoples and cultures bound by a common thread: their relationship with the sea. This book highlights the importance of the Pacific, uncovering stories of beachcombers, piracy, surfing, castaways, mutineers, nuclear weapons tests, and kaiju monster movies. The rich history of this vast ocean is explored through an intriguing collection of objects, each one beautifully illustrated, from the earliest human engagement with the Pacific through to the modern day. Covering topics as diverse as mapping, whaling, trade, and the myriad vessels used to traverse the ocean, Pacific tells a broad history that extends to current political tensions and the environmental dangers that threaten the ocean's islands