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The Boundless Sea: A Human History of the Oceans

The Boundless Sea by David Abulafia: Episode 2

The Boundless Sea by David Abulafia

Episode 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Boundless Sea by David Abulafia, Episode 2

David Abulafia charts the surprising extent of maritime exploration in Ming dynasty China.

David Abulafia examines the surprising maritime ambitions of Emperor Yong-le in 15th-century China. Read by Colin McFarlane. Abridged by Laurence Wareing.

David Abulafia’s epic history of our relationship with the oceans is this year’s winner of the prestigious Wolfson History Prize. Charting maritime networks from the earliest seafaring societies, Abulafia explores how mankind has used the oceans to travel, trade and survive – for ends both noble and wicked. 

In 15th century China, Emperor Yong-le’s maritime expeditions speak volumes about the ambitions of the Ming dynasty. 

Read by Colin McFarlane
Abridged by Laurence Wareing
Producer: Eilidh McCreadie

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David Abulafia's human history of the oceans and winner of the Wolfson history Prize 2020.

Book of the week. Winner of the Wolfson history Prize 2020, David Abulafia's human history of the oceans offers a bracingly different perspective of world trade and communication.

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