Her most famous book is:
* "The Wine Dark Sea: Odyssey of Wine and the Wine God" (1967): This book explores the history of wine, its origins in the ancient Near East, and its spread to other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean. It also examines the figure of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and his connection to ancient rituals and myths. This book has been widely praised for its meticulous research and its insights into ancient cultural exchange.
Other notable works by Henriette Mertz:
* "The Paradox of the Primitive: A Study in the Origins of the World's Peoples" (1977): This book argues that primitive societies are not inherently inferior to more advanced ones and that they possess a unique knowledge and wisdom that can be valuable to modern society.
* "The New World Before Columbus: Explorations of the Pre-Columbian Americas" (1994): This book examines evidence of pre-Columbian transatlantic voyages, suggesting that the Americas were visited by seafaring peoples from other parts of the world long before the arrival of Columbus.
* "The Great Sea: A History of the Mediterranean" (1976): This book explores the history of the Mediterranean Sea, from its earliest civilizations to the present day.
While Mertz's books are well-researched and engaging, they are also considered controversial:
* Her theories on the diffusion of knowledge and pre-Columbian transatlantic voyages have been criticized by some scholars for lacking strong archaeological and historical evidence.
* Some argue that she overemphasizes the role of ancient seafaring cultures in shaping global history.
Despite the controversy, Mertz's work has had a significant impact on the study of ancient history and cultural diffusion. Her books continue to be read and debated by scholars and lay readers alike.