Trading in War: London’s Maritime World in the Age of Cook and Nelson by Margarette Lincoln

Margarette Lincoln's 'Trading in War: London’s Maritime World in the Age of Cook and Nelson' reveals how maritime parishes east of the Tower of London, particularly Wapping, Shadwell, Southwark, and Deptford, played a pivotal role in Britain's rise as a global maritime empire during the 18th century. The study demonstrates that these areas, driven by shipbuilding and shipping industries, sustained Britain’s imperial ambitions even amid prolonged global conflicts, such as the American Revolutionary War. Lincoln employs vivid descriptions, archival research, and archaeological insights to reconstruct the daily lives of workers—from laborers and sailors to lascars and East India Company personnel—highlighting their struggles, radicalism, and contributions to naval power. The book also explores the social tensions and economic dynamics of these parishes, linking them to broader political debates in Parliament and societal reforms. Lincoln’s work bridges material culture, history, and maritime studies, offering a nuanced understanding of how London’s waterfront shaped Britain’s imperial expansion.

Reid, P. (2021). Trading in War: London’s Maritime World in the Age of Cook and Nelson by Margarette Lincoln. Eighteenth-Century Studies, 54(4), 1059–1060. https://doi.org/10.1353/ecs.2021.0083