This book looks to fill the 'blue hole' in Global History by studying the role of the oceans themselves in the creation, development, reproduction and adaptation of knowledge across the Atlantic world. It shows how globalisation and the growth of maritime knowledge served to reinforce one another, and demonstrates how and why maritime history should be put firmly at the heart of global history. Exploring the dynamics of globalisation, knowledge-making and European expansion, Global Ocean of Knowledge takes a transnational approach and transgresses the traditional border between the early modern and modern periods. It focuses on three main periodisations, which correspond with major transformations in the globalisation of the Atlantic World, and analyses how and to what extent globalisation forces from above and from below influenced the development and exchange of knowledge. Davids distinguishes three forms of globalising forces 'from above'; imperial, commercial and religious, alongside self-organisation, the globalising force 'from below'. Exploring how globalisation advanced and its relationship with knowledge changed over time, this book bridges global, maritime, intellectual and economic history to reflect on the role of the oceans in making the world a more connected place.

1. Introduction: Globalization, Maritime Knowledge and the Atlantic worldPART I Globalizing Forces and the Growth of Maritime Knowledge in the Atlantic World, c.1660-1730Introduction: Globalisation between c.1660 and 17302. Globalising Forces and the Growth of Maritime Knowledge3. Growing Maritime Knowledge and GlobalisationPART II Maritime knowledge and Globalisation in the Atlantic World, c. 1730-1800Introduction: Globalisation Between c.1730 and 18004. Maritime Knowledge Aiding Globalisation5. Globalising Forces and the Growth of Maritime Knowledge Machines, Infrastructures and the Circulation of Maritime KnowledgePart III The Reshaping of the Atlantic World and the Collectivisation of Maritime Knowledge, c. 1800-1860Introduction: Globalisation Between c.1800 and 18606. Maritime Knowledge Aiding Globalisation7. Globalising Forces and the Collectivisation of Maritime KnowledgeConclusion