Ian Friel provides an exceptional look at the growth of the British seafaring culture in Britain & the Ocean Road: Shipwrecks & People 1297-1825, the first of two books on the topic. (The second book will look at more recent history.)

Rather than taking a conventional look at Britain's rich maritime history -- and, let's face it, an ambitious island nation such as England needed a strong presence on the world's oceans -- Friel explores the evolution of ships and sailors through the lens of eight voyages that ended in shipwrecks.

It's a strategy that works remarkably well. Friel discusses in detail the advancements in shipbuilding and seamanship that marked each vessel's career, as well as the circumstances through which each met its fate.

The book deals with a diverse naval set, from a pirate ship to a voyage of exploration, from the hellish environment aboard a Liverpool slaver to the martial record of an English warship that was captured by the French before fighting -- against the British Navy, mind you -- at Trafalgar.

But while the focus is on eight specific ships, Friel discusses factors concerning other ships and sailors of various eras. You'll walk away from this book with a much clearer understanding of a vast and interesting subject.

Friel's research is impeccable, and his presentation is packed with fascinating details. Anyone with an interest in Britain's naval tradition -- or, to be honest, naval history in general -- should find this book an invaluable resource.