Something stops this from being 5 stars for me... - Rated 
First things first, it's all here! Maybe that's a problem, whether you want to know about recruitment systems, pay, battles or ship design it's all in this book. They are all discussed in great depth and length. This book "does exactly what it says on the tin" (to quote an advert) and if it's British and floated during this period it's discussed in this doorstop of a book. The research is first class and the explanations are always lucid.
My other nagging concern is this is the pinnacle of the greatest maritime power the world has ever seen. Epic battles, great exploration, larger than life characters- it should be fun, exciting, breathless. Instead, while the style isn't turgid, it lacks the zest and narrative style needed to suck the reader into the moment Nelson is shot or the battle at Quiberon bay.
The more I think about it, the more I think that that's the issue. The style is too consistent, discussing the evolution of the ships of the line is important but it shouldn't be written the same way as era defining battles on the sea where great empires clash for world supremacy.
So this is a very well researched book and if you want to know everything about this period then this is the book for you but be warned that while it can make the dry areas interesting the same style can make the interesting areas a bit dry.
Well written and dispells many myths - Rated 
I picked up this book in Portsmouth after having realised I knew next to nothing about the true history of the Navy (apart from Nelson). This book was a delight, alternating between the naval history, the social background and technical developments. The one bit that really grabbed me was the role of Samuel Pepys in the Royal Navy. Also, the author goes into a few myths and errors that previous historians have introduces in their books, which shows how well researched the book is. I am now going to get the earlier book in the series to see where it all began.
Excellent! - Rated
Superbly researched and very well written book concerning possibly the most important period in the development of the British nation.
This is how history books should be written.
A fine absorbing book - Rated
This is one of the most absorbing history books I have read. The author covers not only naval operations but the politics, the financing, the organisation the social backgound and the economic effect of the Britain's navy. His style is clear and easy to read and not without humour.
Brilliant at sea, but also good all round - Rated
This is a brilliant book to read for anyone, whether they are a professional historian, or just as a passing fancy.
It highlights not just the military side of the period, but also the social and political aspects of it, portraying the personalities of the period with the utmost accuracy. There are also some fundamental points made in this book which although complex, are explained so well that they will improve any readers understanding of the period.
|
