The Art of Paddling: An Illustrated History: Volume 1 - The Canoe in Antiquity

The canoe is the oldest boat and its origins are lost in time. Thousands and thousands of years ago the canoe became a privileged means of hunting and fishing, for the transport of people and goods, for the exploration and colonization of even distant lands. The work is divided into four chronological volumes and is also suitable for consultation, letting oneself be guided by the numerous images and anecdotes: VOLUME 1. The Canoe in Antiquity VOLUME 2. From 1800 to 1954. Wooden and Folding Canoes VOLUME 3. From Fiberglass to Polyethylene. Extreme Feats VOLUME 4. Rafting and Inflatable Canoes. Competitive Canoe and Champions The work develops the history of canoeing from antiquity to the present day (in particular, up to the 2024 Paris Olympics). The first volume tells the history of the first canoes built by man from ancient times to the beginning of the 1800s, during that very long period of time when the canoe was used for hunting, fishing, and transporting people and things. There are numerous types of boats that fall under the generic term "canoe", mainly propelled by single- or double-blade paddles, poles, and sails. The work examines the origins and diffusion of each type: rafts, pirogues, canoes, coracles, royal barges, war canoes, outriggers, kayaks, périssoire, paddle catamarans, surfskis, and Stand Up Paddling, also mentioning the construction techniques and materials used. Revised edition by the author of November 16, 2025.