Author Guide · Investigative Journalism
Books Written by
For more than four years Ian Urbina, then an investigative reporter at The New York Times, travelled on fishing boats, patrol ships and supply vessels across the world's oceans, documenting crimes that happen far beyond the reach of any law: slavery on fishing boats, stowaways cast adrift, illegal fishing, dumping and murder. His series became The Outlaw Ocean, and he founded a nonprofit journalism organisation to continue the work. This guide covers both of his books, and where to start.
By Lisanne Swart · 2 books · Investigative journalism · 2005–2019 · Updated October 2026
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Quick answer
Ian Urbina has published two books: Life's Little Annoyances (2005), about everyday irritations, and The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier (2019), about crime at sea. He leads The Outlaw Ocean Project.
Where to Start with Ian Urbina
If you want the famous one
→ The Outlaw Ocean (2019).
All 2 Ian Urbina Books, in Order
Life's Little Annoyances
Stories of people who fight back against everyday annoyances, from car alarms to telemarketers.
The Outlaw Ocean
Crime and exploitation on the high seas, from forced labour on fishing boats to illegal fishing, stowaways and violence, reported over years aboard vessels around the world.
How Many Books Did Ian Urbina Write?
Two books, in 2005 and 2019.
- Investigation — The Outlaw Ocean (2019). Read the entries →
- Humour — Life's Little Annoyances (2005). Read the entries →
In What Order to Read Ian Urbina
The two books are very different; The Outlaw Ocean is the essential one.
A reading path
1. The Outlaw Ocean (2019)
Quick facts about Ian Urbina
- Career
- Investigative reporter at The New York Times
- Founded
- The Outlaw Ocean Project, a nonprofit journalism organisation
- Recognition
- Shared a Pulitzer Prize with New York Times colleagues
- Books
- 2, in 2005 and 2019
How Ian Urbina Works: Going to Sea
Urbina reports by going aboard the ships themselves, often for weeks, in places where few journalists go.
He combines that immersion with documents, satellite tracking and interviews to show how crimes at sea are connected to the products people buy on land.
Frequently asked questions about Ian Urbina's books
How many books has Ian Urbina written?
Ian Urbina has published two books: Life's Little Annoyances (2005) and The Outlaw Ocean (2019).
What is The Outlaw Ocean about?
The Outlaw Ocean (2019) documents crime and exploitation on the high seas, from forced labour on fishing boats to illegal fishing.
Footnotes
Bibliography last verified 1 October 2026.
This list was not put together by a machine.
The notes are all mine,
and the books are all his.
Lisanne x
Written by Lisanne Swart, who has curated reading lists and author guides at lisanneswart.com since 2021.
See more on her personal bookshelf.
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