Sails Before Engines by Linda Hill

Sails Before Engines unveils the captivating era when wind-powered ships reigned supreme, shaping global trade, exploration, and naval warfare. This transformative period saw sailing ships act as the primary catalyst for globalization, cultural exchange, and technological advancement. It's remarkable to consider that wind power alone propelled massive ships across oceans, connecting continents and fostering unprecedented economic growth.

The book explores how innovations in shipbuilding and navigation allowed sailors to chart new territories and establish trade routes, fundamentally altering the course of human history.

The book adopts a chronological and thematic approach, initially establishing the historical context of sailing technology before delving into the economic, military, and socio-cultural impacts of the age of sail. It examines how sailing ships drove the growth of maritime empires and influenced artistic and intellectual movements.

Furthermore, the book analyzes naval tactics and the strategic importance of sea control during this period.

Finally, it addresses the transition to steam power, offering insights into the factors that led to the decline of sailing ships and the implications of this shift for global trade and the environment.