In seven pages the history of sea trading as depicted in Arab Seafaring by George Hourani is discussed. There are no other sources listed.
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when describing one of the most important episodes in commerce. While the author does, indeed, address the fundamental aspects of sea trade history as it relates to the time
before Christ, the Arabs, the Indian Ocean and ultimately to China and East Africa, one might readily argue that the much more interesting components of Houranis account stem from his
detailed descriptions of other heretofore undisclosed content, such as travel particulars, geographic interests, meteorology and highly illustrative visual images of the very vessels that made these seafaring journeys over and
over again. Also integral to the overall comprehensiveness of Houranis book is the impact of lighthouses, maritime handbooks and other invaluable guiding instruments, as well as that of piracy
and everyday sea life upon the sailors. Unquestionably, Arab Seafaring is one of the most exhaustive accounts of its kind that paints a complete and detailed literary picture of
what it meant to be involved with seafaring commerce during these centuries. The expanded edition, which offers an introduction by Professor John Carswell, also provides additional notes compiled from contemporary
archaeological findings, giving the reader a significantly better perspective of how the seafaring has changed over time. Bibliographical references are also found in the expanded edition, which imparts a
more distinctive and scholarly approach to Houranis extensive research. According to Carswell, Houranis original text spans no more than one hundred pages, yet it still today reflects the historical
aspects of Arab seafaring like no other. Carswell had no intention of altering this simple yet comprehensive account but would rather expand upon its seamless presentation. The importance
of Carswells contribution in this expanded edition is to place in perspective the events that have taken place since Houranis original 1952 text, inasmuch as the amount of new archaeological