Empire of the Seas: How the navy forged the modern world by Brian Lavery (Englis

Author Biography

Brian Lavery is one of Britain's leading naval historians and a prolific author. A Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and a renowned expert on the sailing navy and the Royal Navy, in 2007 he won the prestigious Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award. His naval writing was further honoured in 2008 with the Society of Nautical Research's Anderson Medal. His recent titles include Ship (2006), Royal Tars (2010), Conquest of the Ocean (2013), In Which They Served (2008), and Churchill's Navy (2006).

Table of Contents

About the Author
Acknowledgements
Introduction

Part 1: Heart of Oak
Chapter 1 Defeating the Armada
Chapter 2 The Drift to Civil War
Chapter 3 Dutch Wars
Chapter 4 Reform and Revolution

Part 2: The Golden Ocean
Chapter 5 European War
Chapter 6 Stability and Stagnation
Chapter 7 Broadening Horizons
Chapter 8 Defeat into Victory

Part 3: High Tide
Chapter 9 The Loss of America
Chapter 10 Crisis and Mutiny
Chapter 11 Nelson and the New Tactics
Chapter 12 The Triumphs and Limitations of Sea Power

Part 4: Sea Change
Chapter 13 The Effects of a Long Peace
Chapter 14 Steam, Steel and Shellfire
Chapter 15 Road to War
Chapter 16 The Test of War

Notes
Bibliography
Index

Review

Elegantly written … authoritative and accessible * Nautilus International Telegraph *
Excellent … the Royal Navy has provided Great Britain with many of its heroes, including Drake and Nelson. In addition to them, hundreds of thousands of men served with the fleet over the centuries. This is the story of the effect they had on the world. * Nautical Magazine *
The history of the Royal Navy is a long and illustrious one … Brian Lavery, an acknowledged expert in his subject, has done a great job in distilling so much information into [one] book – and in a very approachable and readable way. * Ancestors Magazine *
This wonderful book tells the story of how the Royal Navy became the most powerful navy in the world and justifiably inspired the unofficial national anthem, "Rule Britannia" … the author brings to life the heroics of Drake, Hawkins, Nelson and Rodney. * The Good Book Guide *
If a Whitehall mandarin, with his hand on the tiller of defence spending, is planning to while away a few hours this weekend with a good book, then this is the one he should choose to read. For he will be reminded that in this age of never-ending conflict and strife the "Great" which was attached to our nation's name largely came about because of our Royal Navy … [a] compelling tome * Western Morning News *
The text provides an overview of the Royal Navy from the defeat of the Spanish Armada to the First World War. However, some of the more interesting material looks at what it was like to be a naval seaman. What did the crew of a 15th-century ship actually do? What rations would a sailor on an 18th-century tall ship receive? It is details like this that help us to understand and appreciate our naval ancestors' lives … a splendid volume. * Family History Monthly *
The accessibility of Empire of the Seas is perhaps its greatest strength. Whether academic or keen amateur there is something for everyone. Empire of the Seas is an engaging and meticulously researched work, which is highly recommended. * Naval Historical Collectors & Research Associatiob *

Promotional

BBC TV Tie-in to Dan Snow's Timewatch series exploring the navy's rise over four centuries.

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BBC TV Tie-in to Dan Snow's Timewatch series exploring the navy's rise over four centuries.

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BBC TV Tie-in to Dan Snow's Timewatch series

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