Best Ship History Books of 2025

Endurance by Alfred Lansing is a gripping and intense story that recounts the harrowing journey of British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew of twenty-seven men during their 1914 expedition to cross the last uncharted continent on foot. Lansing's vivid narration of the crew's near-impossible journey over 850 miles of the South Atlantic's heaviest seas to the closest outpost of civilization is both suspenseful and inspiring. This New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure stories and the heroic age of exploration.

Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston is a haunting and powerful account of the life of Cudjo Lewis, the last known survivor of the Atlantic slave trade. Hurston's work is a profound contribution to the understanding of the horrors and injustices of slavery. The book has been named as one of the best books of 2018 by numerous publications, including The New York Times and TIME Magazine. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African-American and Black Biographies. The book is published by Amistad Press.

"Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania" by Erik Larson is a captivating read that tells the story of the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI. Larson masterfully switches between the perspectives of the hunter and the hunted, providing a larger portrait of America during the Progressive Era. The book is filled with glamour, suspense, and a cast of evocative characters, making it thoroughly engrossing. Overall, "Dead Wake" is an important and gripping historical account that sheds light on one of the great disasters of history.

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick is a gripping retelling of the true story that inspired Melville's Moby-Dick. The book recounts the tragic events that occurred in 1820 when the whaleship Essex was attacked and sunk by a sperm whale, leaving the crew stranded at sea for over three months. Philbrick's masterful storytelling and attention to historical detail create an eerie and spellbinding tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This National Book Award winner is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and history, and the maritime adventure genre.

The book "Night to Remember" by Walter Lord is a gripping account of the Titanic's tragic sinking. First published in 1955, it is a minute-by-minute re-creation of the disaster, vividly portraying the passengers and crew's behavior, both heroic and shameful. The book's semicentennial edition, with a new introduction by Nathaniel Philbrick, brings the story to life for a new generation of readers. The New York Times has called it "one of the most exciting books of this or any year," and for a good reason. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Titanic.

On a Sea of Glass: The Life & Loss of the RMS Titanic is a compelling and informative account of the tragedy that shook the world. The authors delve into the design, construction, and fateful maiden voyage of the Titanic, bringing to light the stories of individuals who sailed on her. The book is profusely illustrated, including rare and unique views of the ship and those who sailed on her. The narrative places the reader in the middle of the maiden voyage, bringing the tragic sinking to life like never before. A must-read for anyone interested in maritime history, this book is a definitive source on the Titanic's story and legacy.

This book, titled "US Destroyers vs German U-Boats: The Atlantic 1941–45 (Duel, 127)", provides an in-depth analysis of the battles that took place between the US Navy's escort warships and Hitler's U-boats from December 1941 to May 1945. The author, Mark Lardas, explores the technical details of the U-boats, destroyers, and destroyer escorts involved in stunning illustrations and brings key clashes to life in dramatic battlescenes. The book covers individual clashes between Germany's U-boats and the Allied warships escorting the vital convoys, providing an absorbing study of the duels fought during the Battle of the Atlantic. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in naval military history.

"Be Free or Die" by Cate Lineberry is a captivating biography that tells the story of Robert Smalls, a slave who became a Union hero during the Civil War. The book chronicles his daring escape from slavery by commandeering a Confederate steamer, delivering it to the Union forces, and eventually becoming the first black captain of an Army ship. Lineberry does a remarkable job of bringing Smalls' story to life, highlighting his courage and ingenuity in the face of incredible adversity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in African-American history and the fight for freedom and equality in the United States.

Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage is a captivating historical account of the Titanic's first-class passengers and their world. Hugh Brewster takes us on a journey behind the luxurious suites of the ship and introduces us to some of the most notable individuals on board, including millionaire John Jacob Astor, writer Helen Churchill Candee, and aristocrat Noelle, the Countess of Rothes. Through their personal narratives, we gain insight into the arts, politics, culture, and sexual mores of a world both distant and near to our own. Brewster's meticulous research and 100 rarely seen photographs make this a must-read for anyone interested in the Titanic.

The 2023 edition of Warship is a must-have for naval military history enthusiasts. This annual publication offers a range of articles from international contributors covering the design, development, and deployment of warships. The volume includes features on lesser-known topics such as the secret battleship design sold to Stalin's USSR, German flak ships of World War II, and electronic warfare in the Royal Navy. The articles are supported by plans, data tables, and stunning photographs. With its impressive standards of scholarship and research, Warship remains the leading annual resource on combat ships.