Encyclopedia of Underwater and Maritime Archaeology

Edited by:
  • James P. Delgado
Yale University Press, $55

Captain Jacob Rowe's patented diving engine was the highlight of a remarkable salvage operation to recover 17 chests of specie from the Dutch. East Indiaman Adelaar, wrecked off Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, in 1728. The machine could be used — albeit with great discomfort — at depths of up to 18 metres. The Encyclopedia of Underwater and Maritime Archaeology edited by James P. Delgado (Yale University Press, $55) is a treasure-trove of information about the submerged past. Its 500 pages describe sites around the world, the techniques and tools of underwater archaeologists, ethical and legal aspects, and important institutions and individuals.