The first comprehensive, one-volume account of the maritime history of the British Isles from the early Middle Ages to the dawn of the 21st century. Ian Friel defines 'maritime history' to encompass naval developments, sea trade, exploration and colonisation, fishing, social history and a host of other themes related to the ways in which maritime activity has affected the history of Britain. Conversely, he examines the ways in which British seafaring enterprise has affected the world, for good and ill.