Pacific

Silicon Chips and Surfboards, Coral Reefs and Atom Bombs, Brutal Dictators, Fading Empires, and the Coming Collision of the World's Superpowers

By: Simon Winchester

Narrated by: Simon Winchester

Following his acclaimed Atlantic and The Men Who United the States, New York Times best-selling author Simon Winchester offers an enthralling biography of the Pacific Ocean and its role in the modern world, exploring our relationship with this imposing force of nature.

As the Mediterranean shaped the classical world and the Atlantic connected Europe to the New World, the Pacific Ocean defines our tomorrow. With China on the rise, so, too, are the American cities of the West Coast, including Seattle, San Francisco, and the long cluster of towns down the Silicon Valley.

Today the Pacific is ascendant. Its geological history has long transformed us - tremendous earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis - but its human history, from a Western perspective, is quite young, beginning with Magellan's 16th-century circumnavigation. It is a natural wonder whose most fascinating history is currently being made.

In telling the story of the Pacific, Simon Winchester takes us from the Bering Strait to Cape Horn, from the Yangtze River to the Panama Canal, and to the many small islands and archipelagos that lie in between. He observes the fall of a dictator in Manila, visits aboriginals in Northern Queensland, and is jailed in Tierra del Fuego, the land at the end of the world. His journey encompasses a trip down the Alaska Highway, a stop at the isolated Pitcairn Islands, a trek across South Korea, and a glimpse of its mysterious northern neighbor.

Winchester's personal experience is vast and his storytelling second to none. And his historical understanding of the region is formidable, making Pacific a paean to this magnificent sea of beauty, myth, and imagination that is transforming our lives.

©2015 Simon Winchester (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

deliciously salty

I brought this along on a recent ocean crossing. Sailors and land lubbers alike will be entertained by this great writer.. I learned more about the nuclear testing and the health of the ocean from this era explored than any other history book.
I love the author and his entire body of work.
Like history ? You’ll enjoy this work. cc

awesome historical book <br />

I really enjoyed this book. The author presents a series of Pacific events that have changed the course of history and ends with timely advice for the future of Pacific cooperation.

i would have given it 7 stars

Another great book by Simon Winchester. The combination of his British accent, the many new things I learned, and the breadth of the story, make for a terrific listen.

Fascinating detail about the Pacific

Having grown up in California I was taught that who controls the Pacific controls the world. This book is a great addition to Winchester cannon. A polymath discussion of the Pacific.

wonderfully informative!

A number of historical events in the latter half of the 20th century serve as jumping off points for Winchester's lucid and carefully researched exploration of the interacting history, cultures and physical geography of the largest and most important body of water on the planet.

Winchester's narration is clear and brings a level of emotional engagement with his material that any one else would have trouble matching.

While I knew a little about some of the events and issues described, Winchester never failed to add new info, insights, and perspectives in ways that gave life and interest to his writing.

highly recommended!

Another great book

This is another great book by Winchester. Informative, well thought out and fascinating. I also love his soothing narration

I love Simon Winchester

Thank you! Now I love & crave history. This book is marvelous. I probably listened 3 times I kept going back & replaying, trying to absorb as much information I could. Not only is this a 10, but Simon’s voice is the voice of legions. Its the quintessential voice to listen to this masterful piece of work. Quite literally its a recorded work of art. I love you Simon!!!

Subject matter and relevancy

Excellent narration: emphasis on critical points with additional bits of information to enhance the story.

Thought provoking

I live in the the middle of the Pacific and learned much about the ring of ocean and countries around me.

Just wish he had pronounced some Hawaiian words accurately. He is knowledgeable and his perspective makes one think about the past and the future.

beautifully written, charmingly read!

The book has brought about a rewakening of my love for history. Winchester makes history come to life in a way that I have only heard here!