The Great Museum of the Sea: A Review of James P. Delgado's Exploration of Shipwrecks and Their Impact
The allure of shipwrecks is undeniable. As historian James P. Delgado notes, they "intrigue, horrify, and compel us" with their mingled evidence of "resilience, survival, [and] heroism" as well as "loss, helplessness, and some of the worst […] aspects of human behaviour".
Shipwrecks are more than just historical artifacts; they are events and objects that lend themselves to investigation, retelling, and deeper exploration. Delgado, an archaeologist, delves into the discipline of maritime archaeology, which has developed over the last half-century. Shipwrecks are crucial in recovering our past, honoring the dead, and rewriting human history. They can also act as harbingers of our future, as the planet continues to change due to climate change.
Delgado's book, The Great Museum of the Sea, aims to merge his extensive experience in the field with insights into the impact of maritime archaeology. It covers a wide range of topics, from the cultural influence of shipwrecks to debates over environmental protection, war graves, salvage, preservation, and in situ analysis. While the sheer volume of information can make it feel like a catalogue, the book is filled with fascinating details.
One intriguing aspect is the political landscape surrounding shipwrecks. The 25,000 ships sunk during the two world wars are both underwater tombs and valuable commodities. Wrecks from the Pacific war, in particular, have been "salvaged" en masse by Chinese-sponsored crews, despite international law. This raises questions about sovereignty and the rights of nations to claim these wrecks as war graves.
Legal differences also create clashes between collectors, "treasure hunters," and investigators like Delgado. Salvage laws aim to return cargoes to the flow of commerce, but archaeologists often prefer that wrecks remain intact for study. Delgado draws a parallel between "complicit treasure hunting" and removing healthy organs from people for profit, emphasizing the harmful impact of treasure hunting on shipwrecks.
Despite the book's potential, it is a frustrating read due to thrift and neglect on the part of the editors at Oxford University Press (OUP). The book lacks extensive illustrations, and readers seeking visual aids will have to rely on external image searches. The editing slips are more noticeable, with frequent misuses of "infer" for "imply," close repetitions, and abundant fragments. These issues give the impression that the book has received minimal attention from OUP.
Despite these shortcomings, The Great Museum of the Sea is a fascinating exploration of maritime archaeology and the impact of shipwrecks. It is a book that rewards careful reading and exploration, offering a wealth of knowledge and passion from Delgado. Readers willing to navigate the editing lapses will find a treasure trove of insights and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
