Launched in 1609 as the greatest English merchant vessel of its era, the Trades Increase and nearly all who sailed it perished three years later on the far side of the world. This is the engrossing account of the ship's tragic expedition and global capitalism at its hour of emergence.

Contents
A Note on the Title
Abbreviations of Major Primary Sources
Introduction. The Charter Generation of the London East India Company
Chapter 1. The Construction and Launch of the Trades Increase, 1609
Chapter 2. From England to Arabia Felix
Chapter 3. Captivity in Yemen
Chapter 4. To India and Back Again
Chapter 5. Corporate Strife in the Red Sea
Chapter 6. The Final Transit
Chapter 7. Catastrophe in Bantam
Chapter 8. Controversy over the East Indian Trade, 1615
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgments

Richmond Barbour is Professor of English at Oregon State University.