Synopses & Reviews
Canoes, clippers, schooners, sloops, whalers, flatboats, steamboats, hydrofoils, submersibles -- the story of American transport by water has been one of constant adventure and advancement. On the Waters of America traces the remarkable history of America's romance with water transport, from Native American birch bark canoes to precarious crossings of the Atlantic to the astonishing boom in ship-building to present-day innovations. The countless rivers, bays, lakes, deep harbors, (and eventually canals) and two vast oceans necessitated the development of ships and boats as lifelines for commerce and travel, but it was the desire for mobility that made Americans eager to embrace each new means of transport. Illustrated with numerous photographs, maps, sidebars, and a technology timeline, On the Waters of America is a fascinating recounting of America's seafaring tradition.
Review
"This fascinating account starts with the tree-trunk dugouts of Native Americans and ends with a discussion of today's supertankers. In between, clippers, coastal schooners, ocean liners, cruise ships, container ships, etc., are explained.... Drawings, maps, and photographs are well placed and fully captioned. One striking image shows a Coast Guard crew using baseball bats to whack accumulated ice off a boat. The large type isreader friendly, and the writing isclear and engaging. "Places to Visit" leads readers to 11 uniformly helpful Web sites.This unique perspective on U.S. history will be of interest to report writers and browsers alike." -- School Library Journal
"The various modes of transportation are an interesting lens through which students can view culture, economics, politicals, and life choices." --History Matters
About the Author
Martin W. Sandler is the author of more than 40 books. His
Story of American Photography: An Illustrated History for Young People received the Horn Book Award in 1984. Sandler's other books include
America, A Celebration!,
Photography: An Illustrated History,
The Vaqueros: The World's First Cowmen, and the Library of Congress American history series for young adults. An accomplished television producer and writer as well, Sandler has received Emmy and Golden Cine awards for his television series and programs on history, photography, and American business. He has taught American studies to students in junior high and high school, as well as at the University of Massachusetts and Smith College. He lives in Cotuit, Massachusetts, with his wife, Carol.