‘Ships from the Depths’ presents a unique view (Book Review)

GalvestonCOuntyDaily News: ‘Ships’ presents a unique view

Ships From The Depths: Deepwater Archaeology,” by Fredrik Søreide, Texas A&M University Press, 2010, 182 pages, $45.

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While Texas is associated with oil and cattle more than with ships and seafaring, Texas is home to one of the world’s leading centers for maritime archaeology — The Institute for Nautical Archeology at Texas A&M University.

This is not the only research center that focuses on underwater archaeology. During the last 50 years researchers worldwide have plumbed the oceans’ depths exploring the shipwrecks and other man-made artifacts on the ocean bottom.

The result has been a treasure trove of information that reveals shipbuilding throughout history and how people lived in earlier times.

What process was used to this information? “Ships From The Depths: Deepwater Archaeology,” by Fredrik Søreide, examines underwater archaeology, especially deepwater archaeology.

The book opens by spending a few pages defining the different types of maritime archaeology and differentiating between treasure hunting and research.

It follows this by describing the different tools used in deepwater archaeology.

A long chapter describes the history of deepwater archaeology. It covers a relatively short period — the first attempts started in the 1950s, and most of the work has been done during the last 30 years.

Yet “Ships From The Depths” reveals a large number of investigations have occurred over that brief time, at sites as diverse as Lake Ontario, the Mediterranean Sea, and in all of the major oceans.

Ironically, today’s litter becomes tomorrow’s window into the past. “Ships From The Depths” shows the amount of knowledge that can be extracted from humble pottery finds.

The final section presents the methods and procedures used in conducting a deepwater survey of an underwater find.

It outlines the process used to conduct an investigation. You are told how to survey an area to locate a shipwreck site, how to document the site before excavation and the proper steps to excavate a site.

This section seems intended as a textbook for an introductory course on marine archaeology. It also allows interested lay readers to vicariously participate in a deepwater dig.

This aspect is fostered by the book’s lavish illustrations. The numerous color and black-and-while photographs that highlight the text are informative and attractive. They take the reader inside the process.

The book is written in a dry, academic style some might find difficult. Yet it presents a unique view into an intriguing field of research.

“Ships From The Depths” will fascinate those with an interest in the sea and the history of the sea.

Mark Lardas, an engineer, freelance writer, amateur historian and model-maker, lives in League City.

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