Naval History of Great Britain

This history, first published in the early 19th century, has recently been reprinted. It has been used as a source by many present day writers for novels set during the time period covered. The author was a historian who wrote about events as they occurred. In one case he was badly beaten in his home by a Royal Navy captain who was displeased by what he had written. The history is written as a narrative account, running chronologically through each year. It tends to jump from location to location as you change paragraphs. There are not chapters as such, just a chronological account for each year. It was published in six volumes, and each volume of the reprinted history has an introduction, appendix and index. There are a sprinkling of tables and diagrams in the book, although not very many diagrams. Some are of particular interest. For example, at the beginning of 1798 the Royal Navy had 24 admirals, 36 vice admirals, 44 rear admirals, and 26 superannuated rear admirals (retired). There were 518 post captains on the active duty list, and 20 superannuated captains. Some of these, like Admiral Jervis, are well remembered. Most have faded into obscurity. One had to reach the top of the captain's list to become an admiral, a process that usually required over 20 years if the man survived from perils of war, shipwreck, disease, or just old age. Some naval actions are covered in great detail. Others only receive a passing reference. It is a useful reference if you are reading novels set during the period, and you wish to read the account of the actual event. Individual volumes are sold separately.