A great number of books have been written about boats and ships, most of them excellent. In fact, there are books written about single ships that are longer than this one. My purpose in writing another book on the world's vessels was to tie their evolution to history and human development. I wished to describe the part they played in war, trade, migration and of course, pure adventure. Why did certain vessels evolve; how did they influence human history and how did history influence them.This book separates vessels through time and by their use, by construction and world regions. I have tried to show what it was like for the crew aboard vessels, and what difficulties and perils they faced. This book was created to let you understand the vessels and the men who put to sea in them. To grasp the advance of the marine development of vessels driven by wind and muscle. How we got to where we are from the moment when the first of our ancestors straddled a log to cross a river. It is my hope that you will enjoy the read.