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A comprehensive picture of the life and responsibilities of an English medieval shipmaster. Using a rich range of examples drawn from contemporary sources, this book illuminates the evolving relationships between shipowners, shipmasters, crews and merchants. It also brings to life aspects of seamanship and the frequently harsh conditions on board. Despite a background of war, piracy, depopulation, bullion shortages, adverse political decisions, legal uncertainties and deteriorating weather conditions, between the mid-fourteenth and the mid-fifteenth centuries the English merchant shipping industry thrived. New markets were developed, voyages became longer, ships and cargoes increased in size and value, and an interest in ship ownership as an investment spread throughout the community.
Ward's expertly researched book provides a full reconstruction of the life of a medieval shipmaster. [...] Very few maritime historians have accepted the challenge of approaching medieval seafaring from a social historian's perspective. Robin Ward has, and has done it admirably. And for that reason, The World of the Medieval Shipmaster should become a classic in its field.'
Source: Nautical Research Journal
An extremely welcome review. [...] Well written and referenced, it is a noteworthy contribution.'
Source: Speculum
A handsome and resourceful study. [...] It delivers a series of rewarding insights that will provide new starting points for future studies. [...] Students coming into the field of medieval maritime history and Chaucerians wishing to refine their readings
Source: The Medieval Review
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