analysis. Readers interested in maritime history, the progression of nautical engineering, or the interrelations of seafaring cultures will likely find this volume informative and detailed. The opening of this book begins with a table of contents, a preface, and the initial chapters that set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of shipbuilding's origins. Konijnenburg presents the Netherlands’ long-standing relationship with water, emphasizing how geography and necessity forged a people inherently skilled in seamanship and ship construction. He then delves into the roots of shipbuilding, describing the use of simple rafts, hollowed logs, and skin-covered frames, leading up to more sophisticated vessels. The narrative transitions to a detailed discussion of ancient Egyptian shipbuilding, describing river vessels’ construction methods, materials like papyrus, and their gradual adoption of sails and adaptations to navigational challenges. The text further examines the influence and advancements of the Babylonians and especially the Phoenicians, demonstrating how cultural exchange and competition drove innovations. Throughout this opening, there is careful attention to the evidence from archaeological finds, models, illustrations, and historical texts, illustrating both the technical development and broader historical significance of early ships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)