The first in an epic trilogy, Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies is "a remarkably rich saga . . . which has plenty of action and adventure à la Dumas, but moments also of Tolstoyan penetration—and a drop or two of Dickensian sentiment" (The Observer [London]).
At the heart of this vibrant saga is a vast ship, the Ibis. Her destiny is a tumultuous voyage across the Indian Ocean shortly before the outbreak of the

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Historical preservation does not stop at the water's edge. This program goes to the shipyards where floating treasures of America's past are being restored and then talks with the activists and aficionados who are determined to preserve the nation's maritime heritage. Featured vessels include the John W. Brown, one of only two operational World War II-era Liberty Ships; the majestic Coronet, the last of the great Victorian schooner yachts; and the...